The National Director of Public Prosecutions, Shamila Batohi, has declared that the National Prosecuting Authority will not tolerate criminal conduct within its own ranks. Appearing before a parliamentary committee, Batohi stated she would formally request that the national police commissioner provide the names of any prosecutors allegedly involved in wrongdoing. This follows public allegations from a provincial police commissioner that some prosecutors have assisted criminal groups.
Batohi confirmed that one prosecutor linked to organized crime has already been suspended. She defended her refusal to publicly identify this individual during the hearing, explaining that such a disclosure could compromise an ongoing investigation. She acknowledged the immense challenge of combating organized crime, at times expressing a feeling of powerlessness against its influence.
Her testimony before the ad hoc committee, which is investigating police corruption, highlighted the difficulties facing the criminal justice system. Batohi emphasized that any internal probe must be conducted with care to avoid undermining active prosecutions while maintaining the integrity of the institution.
Batohi confirmed that one prosecutor linked to organized crime has already been suspended. She defended her refusal to publicly identify this individual during the hearing, explaining that such a disclosure could compromise an ongoing investigation. She acknowledged the immense challenge of combating organized crime, at times expressing a feeling of powerlessness against its influence.
Her testimony before the ad hoc committee, which is investigating police corruption, highlighted the difficulties facing the criminal justice system. Batohi emphasized that any internal probe must be conducted with care to avoid undermining active prosecutions while maintaining the integrity of the institution.
