Justice in the balance: has advocate Shamila Batohi delivered on her promise to fix the NPA?

As advocate Shamila Batohi's tenure as the national director of public prosecutions draws to a close in January 2026, Professor Nirmala Gopal explores the triumphs and challenges she faced in a quest to revitalise South Africa’s justice system.

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Advocate Shamila Batohi

THE above quote pertinently suggests the need for ethics and professionalism as necessary ingredients for justice in a country where the majority of citizens, historically deprived of justice, were promised the ushering in of democracy.

Let me unpack advocate Shamila Batohi’s tenure as national director of public prosecutions (NDPP) since her appointment in 2019.

Upon her appointment, there was optimism among South Africans that she would restore the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) from the challenges posed by political interference and corruption.

Batohi, a distinguished legal professional with international experience at the International Criminal Court (ICC), was regarded as an emblem of integrity.

Her selection by President Cyril Ramaphosa signified what many perceived as a “new beginning” for the justice system in South Africa.

Upon assuming her position, Batohi discovered a prosecution service in a state of crisis.

Years of mismanagement had resulted in a demoralised and deeply divided NPA. In an interview last year with News24, she characterised the institution she inherited as “hollowed out and captured”.

Her objective, as she articulated, was not solely to prosecute but to restore trust and enhance competence from the foundation upwards.

Nonetheless, the NPA during her leadership achieved a commendable 93.4% conviction rate in the prosecution of organised crime cases, underscoring its commitment to effectively combat and diminish organised criminal activities.

This commitment is further evidenced by the implementation of a comprehensive organised crime strategy, which emphasises collaboration with essential partners, including the SAPS, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, and the South African Revenue Service.