‘Not Fit and Proper’: ActionSA Slams Simelane’s Inclusion in NPA Race

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ActionSA has slammed the shortlisting of Advocate Menzi Simelane in the race for the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) position, citing it as a disgrace and tainted.

Adv. Shamila Batohi’s term as the National Prosecuting Authority head ends in January 2026, after starting in February 2019 following public interviews in November 2018.

Simelane and five other legal professionals are competing to succeed her.

The interviews will commence on Wednesday, and Simelane is scheduled to appear before the panel on Thursday afternoon.

ActionSA asserts that Simelane is an unsuitable candidate for the head of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), deeming his potential appointment an indictment of the selection process, especially given the justice system’s urgent need for an unimpeachable leader to restore public confidence in the NPA.

ActionSA’s Athol Trollip criticised Adv. Simelane’s shortlisting due to adverse findings from the Johannesburg Society of Advocates and the Ginwala Inquiry, which questioned his honesty and integrity based on misleading testimony.

“We believe that the role of the NDPP has never been more critical, as the country demands the
NPA throw the book at criminals whose brazen lawlessness has been emboldened by a weak
prosecuting authority.

Inquiry reports compromise Adv Simelane

To be clear, no candidate facing questions over their integrity can be considered fit for the position when what is required is someone beyond reproach.

“Adverse findings and inquiry reports compromise Adv Simelane, making it implausible he could be considered for NDPP, a role demanding absolute integrity and credibility due to the risk of being struck off the roll,” he expressed.

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Trollip stated that they view this as yet another clear indication that an independent, bolstered and properly resourced NPA is now more essential than ever.

He added, “Leaders of this critical institution must be individuals of integrity and competence, not the dishonest and incompetent group currently steering it off course.”