NDPP Shamila Batohi faces MPs over criminal infiltration claims
National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi Testifies Before Committee Probing 'Big Five' Crime Syndicate
Image: Bongani Shilubane/
Advocate Shamila Batohi, the National Director of Public Prosecutions, is expected to testify at the committee probing allegations of criminal infiltration, corruption, and political interference within the justice system, following explosive allegations made by KZN police chief Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
The committee, chaired by Soviet Lekganyane, began hearings on October 7, 2025, amid troubling allegations that a sophisticated crime syndicate, known as the “Big Five,” has deeply infiltrated law enforcement and intelligence structures.
At a media briefing on July 6, Mkhwanazi spoke about the syndicate’s presence within the security forces.
Central to the inquiry is the December 31, 2024, decision by suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).
Mkhwanazi warned the committee that this move severely undermines investigations into politically motivated killings, many linked to prominent members of the syndicate.
Advocate Batohi's testimony is expected to shed further light on the systemic corruption afflicting the justice and law enforcement sectors.
Batohi is also expected to face tough questioning from members of parliament following allegations of interference by the National Prosecuting Authority officials and, as some parliamentarians referred to, “rogue elements” within the institution.
Previous witnesses before the committee have included Mkhwanazi, suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibuyi, former Police Minister Bheki Cele, Deputy Police Ministers Cassel Mathale and Dr Paulina Boshielo, acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, and head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption advocate Andrea Johnson.
The committee will continue its sessions through the week as it seeks to uncover the full extent of corruption and criminal infiltration within South Africa’s justice system.
thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za
IOL Politics