The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) can justifiably be criticised for delays in launching prosecutions, but the recent charges against high-profile politicians provide a boost of confidence in its efficacy and independence.
The former speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, is being prosecuted for bribery and corruption during her tenure as defence minister. And last week former sports, arts & culture minister Zizi Kodwa was brought to court on corruption charges.
The conclusion of these trials will determine whether the NPA was adequately prepared, but the fact that it has prosecuted leaders of the ANC sends a welcome signal that high-profile politicians are being held accountable for their actions.
Also welcome is the recent promulgation of the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill, which establishes the Independent Directorate as a permanent and independent entity to investigate high-profile cases of corruption.
That said, the NPA has to do a lot to restore its reputation. There have been bungled prosecutions due to inadequate preparation such as the R2bn case against former Eskom executive Matshela Koko, which was struck off the roll due to repeated delays by the NPA.
Then there is the R400m fraud case against former Transnet executives Brian Molefe, Anoj Singh, Siyabonga Gama and others who first appeared in court in August 2022. They only appeared in the Johannesburg high court in May and their case was postponed until October for a trial date.
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