Phased integrity checks to begin immediately
South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority has confirmed it will roll out lifestyle audits across its ranks, beginning with the most senior officials. The announcement was made by Advocate Andy Mothibi, the National Director of Public Prosecutions, during a media briefing this week.
Mothibi explained that Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi had called on all entities within the Justice Portfolio and the Justice Crime Prevention and Security Cluster to introduce lifestyle audits beyond the existing financial disclosure requirements overseen by the Department of Public Service and Administration.
"The NPA has been exploring the implementation thereof for some time and we have now made a firm decision to proceed with lifestyle audits, in a phase-in approach. We will commence with ExCo and ManCo members with immediate effect and other NPA officials, especially those in high-risk work environments, will then follow."
According to the NDPP, officials have already been subjected to routine integrity checks under the NPA's Ethics and Accountability Program, which incorporates elements of lifestyle auditing. He described the broader audits as a proactive measure aimed at reinforcing public trust and ensuring that declared income and financial interests correspond with observable living standards in accordance with governance requirements.
Mothibi stressed the prosecuting authority's obligation to demonstrate that its personnel can be relied upon to deliver justice to all South Africans, given its central role within the criminal justice system.
Allegations of prosecutorial interference under investigation
The NDPP also addressed claims that certain prosecutors have been meddling in investigations and prosecutions within the commercial crimes environment in the Gauteng Local Division in Johannesburg. He indicated these allegations are being treated with the utmost seriousness, with the NPA's Office for Ethics and Accountability conducting thorough inquiries.
"We commit to transparency on these complaints and we will keep the public informed as and when the investigations are finalised. Where the findings reveal any malfeasance or misconduct, appropriate consequence management measures will be put in place."
Mothibi noted that preliminary findings from some investigations have already been shared publicly, while more complex cases remain under review. He pledged full openness with the nation once all matters have been comprehensively examined.
Turning to civil litigation, the prosecutions head revealed that the NPA has maintained a strong record defending legal challenges arising from prosecutorial decisions. Through its Legal Affairs Division, the authority has achieved an 81.3% success rate in fighting claims of malicious prosecution and unlawful detention.
"Efforts are being made to further reduce these payments during this year, with initiatives or measures meant to empower prosecutors to effectively prosecute and make prosecutorial decisions that are legally sound, with a view to minimise exposure to civil litigation."
He highlighted a significant reduction in civil litigation costs, with payments dropping from approximately R9.7 million during the 2023/2024 financial year to R5.5 million in 2024/2025. The NPA has committed to driving these figures down further through programmes designed to strengthen the quality of prosecutorial decision-making.
South Africans have long demanded greater accountability from institutions tasked with upholding the rule of law, making these audits a significant step toward restoring credibility within the criminal justice system. For businesses and investors, a more transparent NPA could strengthen confidence in fair commercial crime prosecution, while ordinary citizens stand to benefit from reduced corruption risks. How effectively these audits are implemented and whether they extend beyond senior ranks will ultimately determine their lasting impact on public trust.
