Batohi to appear before Parly to answer allegations of interference against prosecutors

The National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Shamila Batohi, will appear before Parliament’s ad hoc committee on Tuesday to answer to allegations of interference levelled against prosecutors.

Batohi is also set to be quizzed by members of the ad hoc committee probing police corruption about the operations of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), which falls within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

Her testimony follows IDAC head Andrea Johnson’s evidence last week.

Batohi’s appearance follows weeks of submissions that implicated prosecutors.

KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi during his testimony said allegations of infiltration in the criminal justice system include prosecutors, politicians, and the members of the judiciary.

Batohi can also expect questions that IDAC was part of a project to arrest Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo to scupper investigations involving the so-called “Big Five” crime syndicate.

Committee chairperson Soviet Lekganyane said during Monday’s planning meeting that Batohi’s testimony will only be for one day.

Minister Senzo Mchunu’s chief of staff, Cedric Nkabinde, will take the stand on Thursday.

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