Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has confirmed that her department received a letter from the Democratic Alliance’s legal representatives seeking to halt the scheduled interviews for the next National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP).
The interviews aim to identify a candidate to replace Advocate Shamila Batohi, whose term ends next month. A panel convened by the minister is conducting the interviews over two days as the selection process moves forward.
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Kubayi, who chairs the panel, dismissed the DA’s threat as baseless. She said the party’s letter—received on Tuesday—is “misguided” and lacks any legal foundation.
DA Objection Over Menzi Simelani’s Eligibility
The DA has repeatedly criticised the inclusion of Advocate Menzi Simelani in the interview pool. Simelani was removed from the NDPP post in 2012 after the Constitutional Court ruled that his appointment by former President Jacob Zuma was invalid.
Kubayi confirmed the receipt of the DA’s letter, noting, “The letter is dated the 7th [December] but was received by us as the panel today [10th December].
“So, we had to reflect on it. I will not go into detail because we do believe that this is self-inflicted urgency but also there are no merits on it because we have not shortlisted.”
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Kubayi emphasised that the six candidates appearing before the advisory panel are not yet shortlisted but are being interviewed because they meet minimum criteria.
“We have instructed our legal team to respond to the letter. We do feel that there is no need to halt the process as the panel, there is no basis and, therefore, the letter was sent is actually misguided.”
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Once interviews are concluded, Kubayi said the panel will forward the shortlist to President Cyril Ramaphosa for final consideration.
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