National Prosecuting Authority
The National Prosecuting Authority is South Africa's constitutionally mandated prosecution service responsible for instituting criminal proceedings on behalf of the state. Established under the National Prosecuting Authority Act of 1998, the organisation operates independently from government while remaining accountable to Parliament. The NPA's mandate encompasses prosecuting all criminal cases, from petty crimes to complex corruption and organised crime matters, as well as investigating and recovering proceeds of unlawful activities through its Asset Forfeiture Unit. The authority is headed by the National Director of Public Prosecutions, who is appointed by the president and reports to the minister of justice and correctional services. Its structure includes specialised units such as the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation support, the Sexual Offences and Community Affairs Unit, and the Priority Crimes Litigation Unit. The NPA also houses the Investigating Directorate, which focuses on serious corruption and state capture cases. The organisation operates through regional offices across South Africa's nine provinces, coordinating with the South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies. Since its establishment, the NPA has played a central role in high-profile prosecutions involving public officials, corporate fraud and human rights violations. The authority's independence and effectiveness have been subjects of ongoing public and political debate, particularly regarding its capacity to prosecute complex economic crimes and hold powerful individuals accountable.
National Prosecuting Authority Updates
Julius Malema to face criminal prosecution for falsely accusing Bergview principal of rape
Updated 3 hours ago Julius Malema, leader of the EFF, will face criminal prosecution after falsely accusing a school principal of rape. AfriForum’s Private Prosecution... →
Minister Cachalia opens door to investigative powers for Metro Police
7th August 2026 Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has noted Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia’s comments that he has an “open mind” to investigative powers... →
Cosmetic reforms cannot save a fatally tainted IDAC – South Africa needs an independent Anti-Corruption Commission
31st July 2026 The Democratic Alliance notes the proposals announced yesterday by the Minister of Justice and the National Director of Public Prosecutions aimed... →
Justice committee chairperson welcomes suspension of senior IDAC investigators
31st July 2026 The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Xola Nqola, has noted from media reports the suspensions... →
Committee chairperson welcomes resignation of IDAC head Adv Andrea Johnson
28th July 2026 The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Xola Nqola, has noted from media reports the resignation... →
Ramaphosa accepts IDAC head’s resignation amid inquiry interference claims 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 27th July 2026 Advocate Andrea Johnson has resigned as Head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption with immediate effect, prompting the DA to... →
The Democratic Alliance notes the Resignation of IDAC Head Andrea Johnson
27th July 2026 The Democratic Alliance (DA) notes the resignation of the Investigating Director and Head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption... →
President Ramaphosa accedes to investigating Director's resignation
27th July 2026 President Cyril Ramaphosa has in terms of section 12(8)(a) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act of 1998 accepted the request by Adv Andrea... →
Ramaphosa clears Andrew Chauke to resume DPP duties
By: Thabi Shomolekae 23rd July 2026 President Cyril Ramaphosa officially exonerated Gauteng South Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andrew Chauke, following findings by the... →
Outcome of inquiry into fitness to hold office of Adv Andrew Chauke
23rd July 2026 President Cyril Ramaphosa has communicated to Gauteng South Director of Public Prosecutions Adv Andrew Chauke that he has been exonerated by the... →
