NDPP Shamila Batohi
By Thabo Mosia
Cape Town – National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Shamila Batohi is testifying today, Tuesday, 11 November 2025, before Parliament’s ad hoc committee probing serious allegations of criminal infiltration, corruption, and political interference in South Africa’s justice system.
These claims were first raised by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in July 2025. Batohi’s appearance follows a series of high-profile testimonies and comes as the committee seeks to uncover the truth behind accusations that have shaken public trust in law enforcement. Families across the country, many of whom have lost loved ones to unsolved crimes or political violence, hope her evidence brings clarity and leads to real reforms. As South Africa continues to battle high crime rates and systemic issues in the justice cluster, this inquiry highlights the urgent need for accountability to ensure safety and fairness for all citizens.
Batohi’s role as head of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) places her at the centre of the probe, where she is expected to address claims of deliberate sabotage in investigations and interference against prosecutors. The session, part of ongoing hearings that began on 7 October 2025, underscores the committee’s determination to leave no stone unturned in restoring integrity to the system.
Mkhwanazi’s Explosive Allegations and the Committee’s Mandate
The ad hoc committee was formed to investigate allegations of a sophisticated crime syndicate, known as the “Big Five,” embedded within law enforcement and intelligence structures. Mkhwanazi detailed this during a media briefing on 6 July 2025, describing it as a deliberate effort to undermine the justice system from within.
Central to the probe is the controversial disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) by suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on 31 December 2024. Mkhwanazi warned that this decision severely hampers investigations into politically motivated murders, many linked to the syndicate. The PKTT had been handling over 1,500 cases, mostly in KwaZulu-Natal, where political violence has claimed hundreds of lives in recent years.
The committee’s mandate is clear: to uncover the truth and restore public confidence in the justice system. Chaired by Soviet Lekganyane, it has already heard from key figures, including Mkhwanazi, Mchunu, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, and Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) head Advocate Andrea Johnson. These testimonies have revealed disturbing patterns, such as obstructions in probes and alleged ties between officials and criminals.
For everyday South Africans, these revelations hit home. In communities plagued by unsolved murders and gang violence, the idea of corruption at the top erodes hope for justice. The inquiry aims to address this by recommending reforms that strengthen independence and oversight in policing and prosecutions.
Batohi’s Expected Testimony and NPA’s Role
Batohi to appear before Parly to answer allegations of interference against prosecutors.
As NDPP, Batohi is tasked with ensuring impartial prosecutions. Her testimony is crucial, as Mkhwanazi’s claims include accusations that the NPA has been compromised, with some prosecutors allegedly influenced by the syndicate. She is likely to respond to questions on how the authority handles high-profile cases and safeguards against external pressures.
In previous sessions, Johnson from IDAC refused to name implicated politicians during her testimony on irregular tender awards, adding to the intrigue. Batohi’s input could shed light on similar issues, including the role of the NPA in probing corruption within the justice cluster.
Her appearance follows the committee’s review of its interim progress report on Monday, where members discussed streamlining witnesses and planning a prison visit to hear from detained businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. This shows the probe’s wide scope, aiming to connect dots between various scandals.
For families seeking closure on cases stalled by alleged interference, Batohi’s words could offer hope or frustration, depending on how openly she addresses the claims.
Upcoming Witnesses and Committee Progress
The committee expects testimony from several key witnesses in the coming weeks. KZN Violence Monitor Mary de Haas is scheduled for next Monday, while Cedric Nkabinde, chief of staff to Mchunu, appears on Thursday and Friday. Paul O’Sullivan and Ekurhuleni Metro Police Chief Julius Mkhwanazi are also set to testify, with dates to be confirmed.
At Monday’s meeting, ANC Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli suggested reducing the witness list to avoid fatigue, proposing affidavits for some to keep focus sharp. The group also updated on consultations and future plans, ensuring thorough coverage.
A notable step is the planned visit to Kgosi Mampuru Prison to hear Matlala’s evidence in person, arranged for 26 to 28 November. Matlala, facing murder conspiracy charges, has been implicated in testimonies linking him to police corruption and dodgy contracts.
These sessions build on earlier hearings that exposed potential “rogue units” and political meddling, painting a picture of a system in need of urgent fixes.
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