Media Statements

Minister Masutha meets with the leadership of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)

11 November 2016

The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Adv. Michael Masutha today met with the leadership of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) including the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), the Deputy National Directors of Public Prosecutions and the Regional Directors of Public Prosecutions.

Minister Masutha deemed it appropriate to reaffirm his support for the NPA, which plays a critical role in the administration of justice, despite the recent negative speculation surrounding the NPA.

During the tenure of the current leadership of the NPA, the organisation has achieved a remarkable overall 93,8% conviction rate from April 2015 to end September 2016. In respect of the high courts, the NPA obtained a 93% conviction rate while in the regional and district courts, the conviction rates were 80% and 95% respectively for the same period. The conviction rate for complex commercial crime cases stood at 91,5%, while convictions in  sexual offences cases stood at 71,5%. 

Minister Masutha appeals to members of the public and the media to allow the NPA to carry out its mandate, as guided by the Constitution and the National Prosecuting Authority Act (Act 32 of 1998).  “Let the good work that has been done by the NPA not be undermined by recent events. The organisation has a very significant role to play in administering justice every day. Let us support the NPA and its prosecutorial team to do their work, without fear, favour or prejudice,” said Minister Masutha. 

Issued by the Ministry of Justice & Constitutional Development

Enquiries:
Mthunzi Mhaga
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services
0836418141
Mediaenquiries@justice.gov.za