NPA head Mothibi fast-tracks lifestyle audits to tackle internal corruption

Advocate Andy Mothibi has announced that lifestyle audits will be conducted on senior staff to tackle corruption within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

This move comes after years of delays since President Cyril Ramaphosa first issued the instruction for the audits to be conducted.

Last month, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi revealed that some prosecutors have been pushing back against the process.

Advocate Mothibi, who has just two years to achieve what his predecessor could not, stated that the audits will be rolled out in phases, starting immediately with the executive team and management.

The NPA has faced longstanding allegations of corruption, and until now, lifestyle audits had not been implemented.

In his first official briefing, Mothibi announced that investigations are underway to root out corruption.

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"If evidence is uncovered of wrongdoing, we will take consequence management, and they will face accountability," he said.

In a move to strengthen oversight within the NPA’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), retired Judge Takalani Raulinga has been appointed to lead an independent complaints and oversight mechanism.

IDAC handles complex cases, including those linked to state capture.

Mothibi pointed to recent successes, such as the seven-year sentence of former MP Vincent Smith for Bosasa-related corruption, as evidence that state capture figures are being held to account.

He emphasised that these efforts are vital to restoring public confidence in South Africa’s anti-corruption drive.