Parliament presses Batohi to name rogue NPA prosecutor

THE Ad Hoc Committee of Parliament investigating allegations of infiltration within South Africa's criminal justice system expressed growing frustration with National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Advocate Shamila Batohi during a tense session yesterday.

- THABO MAKWAKWA

Batohi's refusal to divulge the name of a prosecutor alleged to be involved in organised criminality has left committee members threatening to suspend their work altogether.

The inquiry, which is probing the reported "capture" of the justice system by criminal syndicates, has gained momentum following the suspension of South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Andrew Chauke.

The issue was front and center amid allegations that officials within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) have been compromised.

At the Committee, Batohi was pressed to identify the prosecutor implicated in intelligence reports of misconduct.

In response, Batohi said: "I received information from the National Commissioner that a member of the prosecuting authority was involved in organised criminality."

"However, I cannot disclose this name here as the matter is under investigation. I have formally referred it to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) and requested more evidence. It would be irresponsible and unfair to name someone based on intelligence that may be incomplete or inaccurate."

She further explained the NPA policy on confidentiality, standing firm in her stance.

"We do not disclose the names of persons under investigation until they have appeared in court. This is to protect constitutional rights and ensure fairness. I understand the committee's desire for transparency, but exposing names prematurely can jeopardise individuals and investigations alike."

The reluctance to reveal names sparked sharp rebukes from committee members.