Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has issued a strong call to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to restore its stature as the “heartbeat of the justice system” amid growing concerns over ethical lapses, systemic delays, and perceptions of corruption within the institution.

Speaking at the NPA Leadership Conference in Johannesburg on Tuesday, Kubayi urged prosecutors to recommit to ethical excellence and public accountability.

Her call follows troubling recent allegations made by NPA head Shamila Batohi and KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who both raised concerns over rogue elements within the prosecutorial system compromising justice.

“We must remain the voice of the voiceless victims and defend the weak against those who abuse power,” Kubayi said.

“Where there is no ethics and integrity, institutions collapse — and we’ve seen this during state capture.

“Now, as we grapple with new allegations under the Madlanga Commission, the NPA must stand up and prove it is not complicit.”

Batohi recently warned of deeply embedded corruption that threatened the rule of law, while Mkhwanazi accused some judicial officials of colluding with criminals by deliberately weakening cases.

Kubayi did not shy away from these claims, instead challenging the NPA to urgently root out unethical conduct.

“If we allow the perception that criminals’ rights trump those of victims to persist, we will lose the public’s trust entirely. A crime is never victimless,” she added.

Kubayi emphasized the urgency of adapting to emerging threats, including AI-generated child sexual abuse material and AI-driven financial crimes.

She commended the NPA’s efforts in helping South Africa exit the FATF greylist, led by Ismail Momoniat, but warned that new technologies could further complicate prosecution efforts unless rapid skills development takes place.

“A repositioned NPA must be ethical, skilled, and victim-focused. It must become the employer of choice for young legal professionals, and the strongest pillar of a developmental state,” she declared.

Additionally, Kubayi called for a prosecutor-driven, collaborative approach to case management to reduce delays, deliver fair outcomes, and rebuild faith in the justice system.

“In a repositioned NPA, justice must not only be done — it must be seen and felt,” she said.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

IOL Politics

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