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Concerns raised over Batohi appointment

Publish date: 10 December 2018
Issue Number: 803
Diary: IBA Legalbrief Africa
Category: South Africa

Although new prosecutions boss Shamila Batohi’s former colleagues say she is the perfect person to bring much-needed stability and reform to the NPA, her appointment has irked some of her new colleagues, according to a City Press report. Some are dismissive of her skills and remain sceptical after colleagues in her home province of KZN accused her of racism, despite the fact that Batohi, in her interview for the post, described the allegations as baseless, unspecific and broad. Shortly after her appointment, WhatsApp messages from ‘angry and disappointed’ prosecutors began to fly, says the report. Some prosecutors aligned to suspended Deputy National Director Nomgcobo Jiba regard the appointment with suspicion, saying Batohi is ‘just talk’ and a ‘good orator’ who managed to score points because she was more articulate than others. In another opposing faction, prosecutors are adopting a wait-and-see approach. In her acceptance speech, Batohi read the riot act to those within the organisation concerned with factional agendas. This did not go down well with everyone. A senior prosecutor said: ‘I also had a problem with her welcome speech, where she makes certain conclusions without having been inside the organisation and conducting her own investigation.’ Another senior prosecutor, who worked in the same office as Batohi when she headed the now defunct Scorpions in KZN, reportedly said that, while he still had reservations, Batohi had what it took to lead the NPA. ‘She just needs the necessary support, and all should be fine. I did have my reservations regarding how she treated black prosecutors, but I guess one cannot be condemned for life. We all make mistakes and I hope she has learnt from hers,’ he said.

Jaundiced Eye

Full City Press report

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