Mashaba Backs Public Call to Appoint Advocate Sello Mahlape as NPA head
- ActionSA president Herman Mashaba has joined growing calls on social media for Advocate Sello Mahlape to be appointed as the new head of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)
- Mashaba responded to a post on X, praising Mahlape’s work, particularly her performance at the Madlanga Commission
- South Africans have taken to social media to debate whether Mahlape is the most suitable candidate for the position of NPA head
Source: Getty Images
Mashaba expressed his support for public calls for Advocate Mahlape’s appointment, noting that her work at the Madlanga Commission had impressed many across the country.
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Mahlape, who serves as one of the evidence leaders at the commission, has been widely commended for her thorough legal knowledge and no-nonsense approach.
Social media users have been debating Mahlape’s suitability as NPA head
@DDT_PM said:
"She wouldn't get the job because she would start investigating the heads of state who ironically would've appointed her."
@Mathekga_ stated:
"Endorsement seconded, she's is perfect for the role, she is meticulous to details."
@NareMoabelo5 argued:
"What madness is this? Do you people ever learn? How can you do things ANC ways? Simply remember Zondo in his commission that disregarded Mkhwanazi submissions."
@D_Bhekza said:
"We are voting @Action4SA. it will happen. Its time to deal with all this madness we have long tolerated from the political parties that have taken us for granted."
@PHASTARICO commented:
"Ramaphosa don't want want to surround himself with people of her caliber. That's why out of countless commissions he formed, he will never appoint Judge Mogoeng Mogoeng to chair."
ActionSA chairperson Athol Trollip responded to Mashaba, stating that the current shortlist for NPA head lacks candidates of Mahlape’s calibre.He said,
"Two of the so called candidates are patently unsuitable which calls into question the quality and credit of the shortlisting panel. This GNU/ANC government shows no signs of renewed integrity."
The NPA is scheduled to hold interviews for the position of NPA head, which will become vacant following Shamila Batohi’s retirement in January 2026. Six candidates have been shortlisted, and interviews will take place on 10 and 11 December 2025.
Source: Getty Images
3 Briefly News articles on the National Prosecuting Authority
Previously, Briefly News reported that the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, ordered all NPA prosecutors to undergo lifestyle audits. She made the announcement during a portfolio committee sitting as part of efforts to root out corruption within the NPA. This followed claims by outgoing NPA Head Shamila Batohi that the organisation had been infiltrated by “unsavoury elements” working against its mandate.
In another report, NPA head Shamila Batohi appeared before the Ad Hoc Committee, where she testified about the Timothy Omotoso case. Batohi said the NPA takes full responsibility for the collapse of the case after Omotoso was acquitted of all rape and sexual assault charges. Addressing the committee on 11 November 2025, she acknowledged that the failed prosecution had seriously damaged the NPA’s reputation.
Briefly News also reported that KwaZulu-Natal NPA head Elaine Harrison testified before the Madlanga Commission, stating she was never consulted about the disbandment of the PKTT. Harrison revealed that she first learned of the decision through social media on 3 January 2025. She expressed frustration after later receiving a letter instructing her to remove 121 dockets from the PKTT. Harrison said she never received any formal communication about the unit’s disestablishment.
Source: Briefly News
