Parliament, Wednesday, 12 November 2025 – The Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations made by the South African Police Service (SAPS) KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has concluded hearing evidence from the National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Shamila Batohi.
Adv Batohi addressed allegations of an organised crime network involving drug cartels, business figures and possible infiltration of the criminal justice system, including the South African Police Service, the judiciary and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). She also spoke on prosecutorial conduct and the working relationship between the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) and the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), including whether IDAC or its officials may have interfered in police investigations or exceeded their mandate.
The committee raised concerns over the limited detail provided regarding collaboration between the NPA and the PKTT, noting that Adv Batohi referred to evidence already presented elsewhere. She explained that her direct involvement had been limited and referenced testimony given by Adv Elaine Harrison, KwaZulu-Natal Director of Public Prosecutions, before the Madlanga Commission.
On the issue of possible infiltration within the justice system, Adv Batohi acknowledged that the NPA remains vulnerable to compromise and is still recovering from the effects of state capture. She confirmed receiving classified intelligence about attempts to compromise prosecutors and certain cases, as well as information regarding a potentially corrupt prosecutor, which she referred to the IDAC. The committee accepted her request not to disclose the sensitive details at this stage.
Adv Batohi also briefed the committee on the NPA’s internal integrity structures, noting that between 2019 and 2024, the Office for Ethics and Accountability handled 58 complaints of corruption and misconduct, several of which led to dismissals and criminal charges.
In her concluding remarks, Adv Batohi reaffirmed the urgent need for legislative amendments to provide robust protection and support mechanisms for whistleblowers and witnesses, who are vital in the fight against corruption.
The committee will continue its inquiry on Thursday, 13 November 2025, at 9:00 am to hear evidence from Mr Cedrick Nkabinde, Chief of Staff in the Office of Minister Mchunu.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE AD HOC COMMITTEE INVESTIGATING ALLEGATIONS MADE BY THE SAPS KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCIAL HEAD, LT GEN NHLANHLA MKHWANAZI, HON MOLAPI SOVIET LEKGANYANE.
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Malentsoe Magwagwa (Ms)
Cell: 081 716 5824
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