Ramaphosa appoints new NPA boss

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has called on the new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Shamila Batohi, to act with integrity as she takes over the troubled National Prosecuting Authority.

Batohi is the first woman to become NDPP.

Ramaphosa announced Batohi as the successful candidate for the post following a nomination process which saw five candidates shortlisted for the post.

The top NPA job has seen previous incumbents resigning or being removed before their terms ended.

Ramaphosa expressed confidence in Batohi, saying she possessed all the attributes of a capable NDPP.

He called on her to act without fear or favour.

“At this moment in our history, as we address matters that South Africans are most concerned about – such as state capture, corruption and widespread crime – our country needs a National Prosecuting Authority that is above reproach in the performance of its mandate and that enjoys the confidence of the public,” he said.

Batohi – a senior legal adviser to the prosecutor at the International Criminal Court at the Hague since 2009 – said she was capable of turning the prosecuting authority around.

“Enough has been said elsewhere on crises and divisions within the NPA. Suffice it to say here that those elements within and without, who insist of frustrating the ends of justice and ultimately the nation, will not be tolerated,” Batohi said.

She said all prosecutors would enjoy her full support as long as they discharged their jobs with integrity.

“We in the NPA have important work to do which includes devoting our efforts to holding accountable those who have corrupted our institutions and who have betrayed the public good and the values of our Constitution for private gain, especially those in the most privileged positions of government and corporate power,” Batohi said.

She said while the country was on the precipice of corruption and a state of capture, its challenges could be overcome if everyone played their part. “My only obligation is to serve the country with humility and with dedication to the best of my ability. Each one of us, no matter where we are, must be ready to sacrifice the necessary to fight the good fight. Our country needs us,” she said.

Batohi starts her job as the NDPP in February next year.