Dear Editor
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is concerned by the NPA’s withdrawal of charges against another accused in the prosecution against Thabo Bester. This marks the fourth instance of charges being dropped against an accused in the case – only half of the original 8 defendants will now stand trial in the matter.
The DA fears that this may signal the collapse of yet another high-profile prosecution, further supporting the Democratic Alliance’s calls for urgent reform of the National Prosecuting Authority (hyperlink statement/presser). South Africa needs a functional NPA to combat crime and provide citizens with a safe environment and access to justice.
An NPA that fails to hold criminals accountable diminishes public trust in the justice system, which South Africa cannot afford.
The National Director of Public Prosecutions, Shamila Batohi has claimed publicly that “all is well at the NPA”, while this is clearly not the case. The institution she is tasked with leading is collapsing around her. It is clear for all to see that the National Prosecuting Authority is failing in its mandate, both with regard to “ordinary prosecutions” and more prominent high-level prosecutions. The blame for this cannot be solely placed at Adv Batohi’s door.
South Africans deserve a prosecutorial body that functions effectively and efficiently, yet there remains a clear lack of political will to fix an NPA that was destroyed by previous governments.
The DA again urges all relevant parties to give serious consideration to the reforms that the Democratic Alliance is fighting for.
Regards
Adv. Glynnis Breytenbach MP
DA Spokesperson on Justice and Constitutional Development