uMkhonto weSizwe Party criticises advocate Shamila Batohi's leadership
Members of Parliament David Skosana, Sibonelo Nomvalo, and Thulani Shongwe, who represent the MKP on the Ad Hoc Committee.
Image: RSA Parliament / Supplied
The leaders of uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) have voiced strong criticisms against Advocate Shamila Batohi, the National Director of Public Prosecutions during her testimony before Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee.
Sibonelo Nomvalo, a key figure within the party, lambasted Batohi's 'very dismissive' attitude, which he claims undermines her statutory obligations and the integrity of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Nomvalo's comments came as Batohi was questioned about her role in the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) and the controversial arrest of Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo.
Observers highlighted the palpable tension as Batohi faced questions regarding her department's accountability amid serious allegations levied by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
“As a member of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, I am not surprised by Batohi’s answers,” Nomvalo stated. “I know her modus operandi. She's very dismissive. She often comes to the committee and responds with phrases like, ‘No, I'm not aware of this’ or ‘I will go and check my notes.’ Today, there’s absolutely nothing we have gleaned from her responses.”
He went on to assert his belief that Batohi lacks a full understanding of her statutory duties.
“She keeps referring to matters that fall under the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), yet she is bestowed with the authority by the NPA Act to supervise their work,” he added.
Nomvalo pointed particularly to Batohi's failure to utilise her supervisory powers effectively, which he claims compromises critical cases. “This is not an isolated incident. She failed to intervene and supervise cases such as that of Pastor Timothy Omotoso, among many others. Her inaction suggests she does not comprehend the gravity of her responsibilities.”
He further criticised her lack of transparency, particularly highlighting a situation where Batohi refused to disclose the names of prosecutors implicated in a scandal. “Why would you protect a person who is implicated? That is a potential criminal,” he contended. “We have long expressed dissatisfaction with her tenure and we have urged her to resign, questioning her competency to lead the NPA.”
Nomvalo reflected on the broader implications of Batohi’s leadership, stating, “What does this mean for South Africa? It means citizens are faced with a crisis of accountability within the NPA. We have already made our conclusions about her capabilities, and we are not shocked by her performance.”