ActionSA calls for NPA head Shamila Batohi to be suspended
ActionSA supporters gathered outside the Justice Department offices to hear party leader Herman Mashaba express his dissatisfaction with the performance of the NPA.
ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba. Picture: @Action4SA/X
JOHANNESBURG - ActionSA is calling for the suspension of National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head Shamila Batohi, saying the organisation has failed to successfully prosecute some high-profile cases.
The party was picketing outside the Justice Department in Pretoria on Thursday, to hand over a memorandum of demands which includes that Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi begin the process of removing Batohi.
The party has criticised the NPA for its handling of recent matters including the rape case of Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso, and the corruption involving Moroadi Cholota and former African National Congress (ANC) member of Parliament Zizi Kodwa.
ActionSA supporters gathered outside the Justice Department offices to hear party leader Herman Mashaba express his dissatisfaction with the performance of the NPA.
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Mashaba said Batohi is incompetent and has caused dysfunction within the organisation.
Kubayi was, however, not available to receive the party's memorandum.
Mashaba said Batohi's incompetence can't be justified.
"It's an excuse, it's nonsense it's unacceptable, she must not really treat us as South Africans who are fools."
The party has given the department seven days to respond.
ACTIONSA CALLS ON CITIZENS TO BOLSTER ITS CALL
ActionSA has also urged members of the public to support the call for the removal of Batohi.
Batohi's term began in 2018 at the peak of the state capture commission of inquiry, with the promise of prosecuting high-profile corruption cases.
However, six years on, there's been little movement in that direction, with Batohi citing a lack of resources for investigations.
However, Mashaba says this is an excuse that South Africans should reject.
"We know it’s only going to be through pressure by all South Africans to hold them accountable because the ANC [African National Congress] of Cyril Ramaphosa is determined to break down the rule of law in our country."
While Kubayi was not present to receive the memorandum, a representative met the marchers on her behalf.