KT Molefe bail ruling sparks fresh scrutiny of NPA

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has suffered yet another setback after the High Court in Gauteng recently granted R400,000 bail to Katiso 'KT' Molefe, the alleged mastermind behind several high-profile murders, including that of DJ Sumbody and his bodyguards.

Molefe, who is already out on R100,000 bail for the separate killing of engineer Armand Swart, has been linked by police to the so-called 'Big Five' criminal cartel.

Advocate Ulrich Roux, founder and managing director of Ulrich Roux & Associates, says the public should not assume bail means leniency.

Roux explains that bail is granted when an accused person is not deemed a flight risk or a threat to society, and that Molefe’s latest charges relate to crimes allegedly committed before his previous bail was granted.

"Many people who have been released on bail have been convicted in the past and have received due sentences, so I don't think the public must be too perturbed by the fact that KT Molefe has been granted bail, and yes, there is still a trial that needs to be led by the NPA."

Roux says Molefe's ruling has intensified pressure on the NPA, already facing scrutiny over its lack of convictions in major corruption and organised crime cases.

"One hopes they would be able to get the trained prosecutors, with the necessary experience, to prosecute these matters, but we would have to wait and see if that is going to be the case."

With National Director Shamila Batohi stepping down and the search for her replacement underway, concerns are mounting about whether the next leader will have the experience and credibility to restore confidence in South Africa’s prosecution service.

To listen to Ulrich Roux in conversation with 702's Bongani Bingwa, use the audio below: