EFF leader Julius Malema has urged president Ramaphosa to appoint a retired chief justice to lead a probe into alleged internal sabotage at the National Prosecuting Authority. Image: EFF shared via X @EFFSouthAfrica.
(The Post News)– Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to set up a Commission of Inquiry into the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), citing a “systemic breakdown” of the prosecutorial body.
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika on 5 June, Batohi expressed frustration over what she described as individuals within and outside the NPA undermining its operations. While she later clarified that she hadn’t meant to use the word “infiltrated”, her comments have drawn sharp responses, with the EFF arguing that even the suggestion of internal corruption warrants a full inquiry.
Malema said the situation presents a serious threat to the rule of law, referencing Section 179(4) of the Constitution which obliges the NPA to act “without fear, favour or prejudice”. He believes that Batohi’s remarks signal a deeper institutional failure, not just isolated mismanagement. In the letter, Malema proposed that the inquiry be chaired by former Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, praising his record of judicial independence.
He drew parallels with the 2018 Nugent Commission into SARS, which helped uncover widespread misgovernance and prompted structural reforms within the revenue service. “The credibility of the NPA is now in serious doubt,” Malema wrote, “just like SARS back then, we’re dealing with political interference, public mistrust, and alleged manipulation from within. We need a similar diagnostic to fix it.”
President Ramaphosa, speaking to reporters earlier this week, confirmed he intends to meet Batohi to discuss the claims. But the EFF believes a meeting isn’t enough. In their view, the scale of the problem demands a wide-ranging, independent investigation with the power to compel testimony and review prosecutorial decisions made over the past decade.
Malema’s letter lays out a detailed framework for the inquiry’s mandate, from probing political interference in key corruption and gender-based violence cases to reviewing leadership appointments and recommending institutional reforms. The Presidency has yet to formally respond.
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