The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in South Africa has announced plans to review cases handled by its Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC). According to NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago, the review will assess whether available evidence supports prosecution. This move comes as part of a broader effort to ensure that cases are thoroughly examined and that evidence is rigorously evaluated.
The review of IDAC cases will be guided by evidence and the law, rather than outside legal submissions. Kganyago emphasized that prosecutors will withdraw charges where there is not enough evidence, while cases supported by prima facie evidence will proceed through the courts. This approach aims to ensure that only cases with a strong evidentiary basis are pursued.
In addition to the case reviews, the NPA will conduct lifestyle audits of 29 members of its management and executive committee. These audits, requested by NPA head Andy Mothibi, will also extend to IDAC prosecutors and investigators. The goal is to promote transparency and accountability within the authority. Mothibi made the request following his appointment in February.
The lifestyle audits are part of a broader effort to enhance accountability within the NPA. Kganyago noted that former IDAC head Andrea Johnson had been included in the leadership audit process, but the NPA could no longer enforce an audit of her after her departure. The audits do not, by themselves, establish misconduct in any of the cases or against the officials whose finances may be audited.
The announcement comes on the back of the formal withdrawal of charges against National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola. The charges, linked to a police health-services tender, were withdrawn on Tuesday, 22 September. Masemola has since stated that he is ready to return to work. Any decision about his position is separate from the prosecution’s withdrawal of charges.
Kganyago also addressed the issue of an apology for Masemola, stating that the NPA would wait for findings from the oversight judge before determining whether there had been deliberate misconduct. This approach reflects a cautious stance, ensuring that all relevant factors are considered before taking further action.
The NPA's review of IDAC cases and expansion of lifestyle audits signal a renewed focus on accountability and transparency. Key aspects of this initiative include the review of IDAC cases based on evidence, the extension of lifestyle audits to prosecutors and investigators, and the commitment to proceed with cases that have a strong evidentiary basis.
Key points
- The NPA will review IDAC cases to assess whether available evidence supports prosecution.
- Lifestyle audits will be conducted for 29 members of the NPA's management and executive committee, as well as IDAC prosecutors and investigators.
- The review and audits aim to promote transparency and accountability within the NPA.
