EFF writes to Ramaphosa calling for establishment of inquiry into state of NPA
This is in response to remarks by National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi, who alleged the NPA has been 'infiltrated' by corrupt prosecutors.
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema at the party’s first plenum in Limpopo since the party's third National People’s Assembly on 31 January 2025. Picture: Sphamandla Dlamini/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has written a letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa, calling for the establishment of a commission of inquiry into the current state of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
This is in response to remarks by National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi, who alleged the NPA has been “infiltrated” by corrupt prosecutors.
Although Batohi later clarified she did not intend to use the term "Infiltrated", the EFF maintains any suggestion of corruption within the NPA warrants a thorough probe.
Batohi made these statements while voicing her frustration over the NPA’s bungling of several high-profile cases.
Ramaphosa told reporters earlier this week that he plans to meet with NPA boss Shamila Batohi, following allegations that the NPA has been infiltrated by individuals who disregard the rule of law.
However, the EFF says ramaphosa’s planned intervention is not enough arguing that a comprehensive investigation into the independence of the NPA is necessary.
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In a letter addressed to the president, the EFF states that Batohi’s acknowledgment of infiltration amounts to an admission that the NPA is experiencing a serious systemic failure.
The party points to internal dysfunction and the mishandling of several high-profile cases as evidence that the NPA is being brought to its knees.
“The commission’s terms of reference recognised that revenue shortfalls, governance failure, and manipulation of processes constituted not just an institutional problem but a national threat. Similarly, the dysfunction now apparent within the NPA, especially in the context of widespread corruption, gender-based violence, and the slow pace of prosecutio requires equally bold and public corrective measures,” said EFF leader Julius Malema.
The EFF proposes the establishment of a commission of inquiry, chaired by former Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng.