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Advocate Andy Mothibi takes over the reigns at the National Prosecuting Authority
The successful prosecution of high profile corruption cases, particularly those mentioned in the State Capture Commission’s report, is the common expectation from the majority of political parties in Parliament.
This is the task for Advocate Andy Mothibi, who takes over the reigns at the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), on Sunday.
He replaces Advocate, Shamila Batohi, who is vacating the position after seven years due to her age. The 63-year old Mothibi, who headed the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), since 2016 is expected to have a short presence in the position before the mandatory retirement age of 65 years.
WATCH | Security strategist Andy Mashaile has welcomed the appointment of Adv. Jan Lekgoa Mothibi, the current head of the SIU, as the new National Director of Public Prosecutions by President Cyril Ramaphosa, saying Mothibi will add value to the organisation. pic.twitter.com/RixAXfmCix
— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 6, 2026
The National Director of Public Prosecutions serves a term of 10 years. However, given that Mothibi is nearing retirement age, he is likely to have the shortest tenure in the history of the position.
Despite this, Members of Parliament have expressed optimism that his nearly 10 years of exceptional performance at the helm of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) equips him to drive meaningful change.
MPs also outlined a wishlist of priorities they believe he should urgently focus on to strengthen the institution.
The African National Congress’ (ANC) Oscar Mathafa, Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Chief Whip, Nhlanhla Radebe and GOOD’s Secretary General, Brett Herron, are among those, who want to see high profile corruption cases prosecuted.
“The NPA must prioritise and finalise serious corruption cases in state capture and organised crime. justice delayed continues to erode public trust,” says Mathafa.
“The NPA must move decisively on serious corruption cases, particularly those linked to state capture and long standing failures in public procurement,” says Radebe.
“There are a number of cases the public has known about from media confirmed in the Zondo Zommission and his report. We need to see the NPA prosecute cases familiar to public for which we have not seen accountability,” says Herron.
Chief whips from the Freedom Front Plus (VF+), Heloise Jordaan and Makashule Gana from Rise Mzansi shared the sentiment.
“Many areas need urgent attention, but some of most important areas are independent and accountability, dire capacity and resource issues, actually seriously prosecuting high profile cases like state capture to the full extent of the law,” says Jordaan.
“It takes 290 days to prosecute a rape-accused. That is just too long. Focus on speed of prosecution but also working closely with prosecutors working on cases that are enrolled are ready to be prosecuted,” says Jordaan.
Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader, Doctor Mmusi Maimane and Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) deputy President Jaki Seroke share their expectations.
“My call is that he takes top 200 criminals and lock them up. people cant get away with certain crimes in the country. must make sure criminal justice system works well so that criminals dont end up back in the street for demoralises police,” says Maimane.
“As an advocate and a man of laws he knows the justice system cant work without a fully functioning prosecution office, believe justice must be seen to be done rich and poor, not biased against poor or against anyone else,” says Seroke.
African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) chief whip, Steve Swart and his Patriotic Alliance (PA) counterpart, Jasmine Petersen, expect Mothibi to restore the public’s faith in the criminal justice system.
“The state is failing in its primary role of protecting citizens. people don’t feel safe in their homes, business and public spaces. victims of crime are demanding justice. he will have to ensure the successful prosecution of countless murderers, rapists and robbers to restore the credibility of the NPA in the eyes of the public,” says Swart.
“Urgent attention must be given to strengthen internal discipline and ensuring that justice is applied equally without fear or favour. Visible and firm leadership will be critical to rebuild public trust and sending a clear message that no one is above the law,” says Petersen.
President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Mothibi after the panel he appointed to select Batohi’s successor advised him that none of the six interviewed candidates were suitable for the role of the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP).
RELATED VIDEO | Adv. Andy Mothibi to take over from current NDPP Shamila Batohi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_AIDhecIKk
