Six Candidates Shortlisted to Succeed Shamila Batohi as NPA Head, Including Controversial Menzi Simelane

In a key step towards finding South Africa’s next top prosecutor, a selection panel appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa has named six candidates to replace Shamila Batohi as head of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Batohi, who has led the organisation since 2019, is set to retire in January 2026 after a term marked by efforts to rebuild the NPA following years of state capture challenges. The shortlist, announced on Thursday, 27 November 2025, includes a mix of current NPA insiders and external experts, sparking debate over experience, past controversies, and the future direction of the country’s prosecuting body. Among the standout names is former National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Menzi Simelane, whose previous appointment was struck down by the courts in 2012.

The panel, chaired by Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, reviewed a total of 32 applications before settling on the six contenders. This marks the second time Ramaphosa has opted for a transparent panel process to recommend a candidate, even though the Constitution gives him the sole power to make the final appointment. The move aims to boost public trust in the NPA, an institution vital for fighting crime and corruption in a nation grappling with high-profile cases and calls for accountability. With interviews scheduled for 10 December 2025, the public now has a chance to weigh in, adding another layer of scrutiny to this high-stakes selection.

The Shortlisted Candidates: A Blend of Experience and Expertise

The six candidates bring diverse backgrounds in law, anti-corruption work, and public prosecution, reflecting the panel’s push for a well-rounded shortlist. Here is a closer look at each:

• Advocate Nicolette Astrid Bell: As the current Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the Western Cape, Bell has built a reputation for handling complex cases with a focus on efficiency and victim support. She has overseen high-profile prosecutions in the province, including those related to gang violence and gender-based crimes, and is known for her efforts to streamline court processes amid backlogs.
• Advocate Hermione Cronje: The former head of the NPA’s Investigating Directorate (ID), Cronje stepped down in 2021 after leading probes into state capture scandals. Now working as a freelance international anti-corruption and asset recovery specialist, she brings global insights from her time tackling financial crimes and recovering stolen assets. Her tenure at the ID was marked by bold moves against powerful figures, though it faced internal hurdles.
• Advocate Andrea Johnson: Currently leading the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), Johnson succeeded Cronje and has continued the fight against graft. With a strong background in forensic investigations, she has driven cases involving public sector fraud and money laundering, emphasising collaboration with other agencies to build airtight evidence.
• Advocate Xolisile Jennifer Khanyile: A seasoned prosecutor, Khanyile served as DPP in the Free State before heading the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), where she strengthened measures against illicit financial flows. She now chairs the Global Coalition to Fight Financial Crime, advocating for international standards in anti-money laundering. Her expertise in financial crimes makes her a strong fit for an NPA increasingly focused on economic offences.
• Advocate Adrian Carl Mopp: As deputy DPP in the Western Cape under Bell, Mopp has hands-on experience in managing prosecutions across various courts. He has specialised in organised crime and environmental cases, pushing for innovative approaches like digital evidence handling to speed up trials.
• Advocate Menzi Simelane: Perhaps the most controversial pick, Simelane was appointed NDPP in 2009 but removed in 2012 after the Constitutional Court ruled his appointment irrational due to integrity concerns raised in a prior inquiry. A former justice department director-general, he has since worked in private practice and advisory roles, but his past has drawn criticism from legal experts who question his suitability for a comeback.

These profiles highlight a group with deep roots in the justice system, many with direct NPA ties. The inclusion of figures like Simelane has raised eyebrows, with some analysts suggesting it tests the panel’s commitment to untainted leadership.

Background on the Selection Process: Transparency in Action

The road to this shortlist has been deliberate and open. A week before the announcement, the panel reopened nominations after finding only six of the initial 27 applications met the strict criteria, which include at least 10 years of post-admission legal experience and a clean disciplinary record. By expanding the pool to 32, the panel ensured a broader field, ultimately selecting candidates who demonstrate strong leadership potential and a track record in prosecution.

Justice spokesperson Terrence Manase described the process as a milestone. “The panel noted that this represents an important step towards ensuring a transparent, credible and inclusive process,” he said. This approach echoes Ramaphosa’s first NPA appointment in 2019, when a similar panel helped choose Batohi amid post-Zuma reforms. By involving the public and experts, the president aims to shield the decision from claims of political interference, especially in a multi-party government where accountability is key.

The NPA has faced tough times in recent years, from budget cuts to morale dips following state capture revelations. Batohi’s leadership focused on rebuilding capacity, establishing specialised units like the ID, and pursuing high-profile corruption cases. Her successor will inherit these gains but also challenges, including court backlogs, resource shortages, and pressure to deliver on promises of justice for all.

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