Panel wraps up NDPP search as expert calls for ‘clean sweep’ at NPA

Interviews for a new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) enter their final day, with a seven-member advisory panel questioning the last three candidates before making recommendations to President Cyril Ramaphosa. 

The shortlist includes advocates Xolisile Khanyile, Hermione Cronje and Menzi Simelane, following yesterday’s session with internal National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) candidates Nicolette Bell, Adrian Mopp and Andrea Johnson.

UKZN senior criminal-law lecturer Dr Suhayfa Bhamjee says the appointment is critical to restoring confidence in the NPA.

"What does the prosecuting authority do? They lead and champion the fight against crime on the part of the victims and the people in the state. On a basic level, the citizens in this country want to know that they are living in a safe place where justice is done. If there are cracks, loopholes, gaps in the prosecuting part, then obviously the natural reaction is for people to lose faith in this institution, and then the ripple effect is in the other state institutions. So, it's very, very important that we get this right."

She warned that the slow rebuilding of the NPA has tested public patience, and that the next NDPP will need to confront structural failures rather than simply 'patching cracks'.

"I don't know that it's about rebuilding right now as much as it's taking it apart and trying to build something new entirely. There's only so much patchwork you can do. Maybe what you need is a clean sweep, but you need someone willing to use that broom and make that clean sweep."

Bhamjee welcomed the transparency of the panel-interview system but noted that yesterday’s candidates 'left much wanting', facing tough questions about objections raised by the public and past case handling.

She said today’s external candidates appear stronger on paper, but their performance under panel scrutiny will determine whether they represent the clean sweep the institution needs.

The president is expected to make the appointment at the end of January.

To listen to Bhamjee in conversation with 702 and CapeTalk’s Africa Melane, click below: