The suitability of the last two candidates to lead the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) was tested on Friday. Advocate Simphiwe Mlotshwa and Advocate Shamila Batohi were interviewed for the position of National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP).
They’re among 11 hopefuls being grilled by eight panelists.
Advocate Mlotshwa has a good track record. He served as acting Director of Public Prosecutions for KwaZulu-Natal.
He said he took strain at the NPA when he persisted with the prosecution of two ANC politicians implicated in various wrongdoings.
Mlotshwa was also allegedly pressurised to prosecute former head of the Hawks in KZN, Johan Booysen, but he stood his ground. He was then replaced by Advocte Moipone Noko who was also interviewed on Thursday for the NDPP position.
Mlotshwa is already seen as a favourite with his track record and high ethics, making his prospects to be one of the top three recommended names to lead the NPA almost certain.
Advocate Batohi was last on the stand. Batohi was grilled on a number of issues such as her decisions during her tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions in KZN and her relations with the staff in her office.
There were allegations that she displayed a racist attitude.
Following the conclusion of the interviews, the panel will deliberate and select three names to submit to President Cyril Ramaphosa so he can make an appointment.
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