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Statement on the IDAC crisis and the urgent need for appointment reform

The resignation request by the head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption has exposed a deeper problem at the heart of South Africa's prosecuting authority. The Prosecutions Project argues that opaque, executive-controlled appointment processes undermine public confidence and is calling for urgent legislative reform to ensure transparent, independent and merit-based appointments to the National Prosecuting Authority's senior leadership.

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The quiet collapse of South Africa’s commercial crime courts

A new DGRU report reveals troubling trends in South Africa's Specialised Commercial Crime Courts. Despite increased resources and staffing, prosecution outcomes continue to decline. The findings highlight weaknesses in performance measurement, accountability and court efficiency, raising important questions about what is needed to effectively tackle corruption and serious economic crime.

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[Media Statement] Statement on NPA Conviction Rates

Parliament was told conviction rates remain high, but not that far fewer cases reach a verdict. By measuring only finalised cases, the NPA masks a deeper decline in accountability while presenting a misleading picture of success.

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Legislated to fail? The NPA is not delivering the outcomes South Africa needs

South Africa’s prosecution system is under strain. Despite increased funding and staffing, convictions have declined, delays have become entrenched, and most cases never reach a verdict. The data points to a deeper problem: structural weaknesses in the law governing the NPA are undermining its ability to act effectively.

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Media Release: The launch of The Prosecutions Project

The Prosecutions Project is building a growing network of organisations, researchers, practitioners, and civil society leaders concerned about the future of South Africa’s prosecution service.

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Mothibi and reform of the NPA

The new NDPP, Andy Mothibi, is underestimating the depth of the crisis facing the NPA. While official reports suggest strong performance, the reality shows long-term decline and systemic failure.

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Fixing the NPA: Challenges Facing South Africa’s Prosecuting Authority and the Reforms Needed

South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is central to the fight against corruption and organised crime, but years of institutional strain have raised serious concerns about its capacity and independence. In this webinar hosted by the New South Institute (NSI), a panel of experts unpacks the key challenges facing the NPA and discusses the reforms needed to strengthen prosecutions, rebuild institutional capacity, and restore confidence in South Africa’s criminal justice system. The discussion is anchored in a policy brief by Nicole Fritz and forms part of NSI’s broader work on strengthening public institutions and improving leadership appointments in the public service.

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Jean Redpath | Four priorities in 24 months for new NPA boss Andy Mothibi

Despite a short potential tenure of about 24 months, NDPP Andy Mothibi could still drive meaningful reform in the NPA by focusing on four high-impact priorities.

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Discussion | Batohi says she leaves a stronger and more reliable NPA

Outgoing NDPP Advocate Shamila Batohi says she leaves the National Prosecuting Authority stronger, more independent, and more reliable than it was seven years ago. To unpack this, #Newzroom405's Hugo Ribatika had a discussion with former Justice of the Constitutional Court, Judge Johann Kriegler; legal expert from AG Ngobene Inc, Abigail Ngobene and Senior Researcher at the Dullah Omar Institute, University of the Western Cape, Dr Jean Redpath.

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Candidates battle for NDPP top job: Dr Jean Redpath

The panel tasked with interviewing candidates vying for the NDPP top job has heard that there is a "skills catastrophe" in the National Prosecuting Authority. This was a sentiment shared by one of the candidates on day two of the interviews. They have detailed some of the cracks or flaws contributing the difficulties experienced by the institution at the moment.

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