The civil rights organisation AfriForum delivered an oral submission on the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Bill before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services. This submission strongly criticised the bill and proposed extensive amendments to it. AfriForum was invited to make this oral presentation after the organisation submitted in-depth written comments on 10 October.

Some of the problems with the bill include that it does not provide satisfactory solutions to the current problems with the NPA, that it fails to ensure clear parliamentary oversight, that it leaves room for political interference in the Prosecuting Authority and that it will lead to reduced confidence in the South African criminal justice system.

“Different approaches can be taken to tackle the current problems in the NPA, but this bill is definitely not the designated solution,” says Louis Boshoff, Campaign Officer at AfriForum who made the presentation on behalf of the organisation. “This bill is a recipe for political interference, and we can expect nothing but a brew of corruption and abuse of power if this recipe is followed.”

AfriForum’s submission approaches the matter proactively and proposes several solutions, such as including clauses that require parliamentary oversight, establish procedures to ensure more transparent appointment of officials and will improve the operational efficiency of the NPA.

“South Africa’s legal system is at a crossroads, and it is crucial that we act now to protect the integrity of our legal system and ensure that justice can be done without fear or prejudice,” concludes Boshoff.

In addition to these comments on the bill, AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit is also being expanded to ensure that prosecution can take place even if the NPA weakens further.