Old ghosts haunt Simelane's second bid to be NPA boss

Ousted national director of public prosecutions (NDPP) Menzi Simelane is expected to be interviewed for the top job at the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), despite the Johannesburg Society of Advocates (JSA) applying to have him struck from the roll on grounds of being unfit to practise.

- Faizel Patel

Last month, the department of justice and constitutional development announced six candidates shortlisted to succeed Shamila Batohi as NPA boss next year.

The department said all six “met the minimum requirements.”

The list includes advocates Nicolette Bell, Hermione Cronje, Xolisile Khanyile, Andrea Johnson, Adrian Mopp and Simelane.

Justice and Constitutional development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi's spokesperson, Terence Manase, confirmed Simelane was part of the original pool after the advisory panel resolved to broaden recruitment.

Thirteen years after being “removed” as NPA head, Simelane could get a second chance.