The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has dismissed the allegations of executive interference in its work.
This after a Sunday news report alleged that two Cabinet Ministers had instructed the prosecutorial body to bring charges against Deputy President, Paul Mashatile.
The story titled “Mashatile warned of elaborate plot to charge him with perjury", was published in the Sunday World newspaper, on Sunday, 30 March 2025.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the NPA labelled the story as “fake news” derived from a doctored WhatsApp conversation.
“The NPA rejects the article published in the Sunday World and warns against fake news and political smear campaigns. The story is based on a clearly fake WhatsApp conversation purported to be between the NPA’s Director of Public Prosecutions: North West, Dr Rachel Makhari and two Cabinet Ministers, who are not mentioned in the story.
“The article fails to adhere to basic journalistic principles of quality control and verification. The NPA is on record about the status of this matter, which has also been communicated in the media. The NDPP has full confidence in the integrity and independence of Advocate Makhari,” the NPA said.
The prosecutorial body insists that it discharges its mandate “without fear, favour or prejudice”.
“The current leadership of the NPA is on record to confirm that it has never been subjected to any executive interference in the discharge of its prosecutorial mandate, and this remains the position. The current leadership is beholden only to the constitutional mandate of the NPA and serves only the people of South Arica.
“The NPA is submitting a formal complaint to the editor of Sunday World as we believe that the journalist concerned conducted himself in an unethical and unprofessional manner and sought to tarnish the image of the NPA, the official concerned, and the Ministers concerned. The NPA will also lodge a formal complaint with the Press Ombud,” the NPA said.
Other law enforcement departments will be engaged to “explore options relating to potential criminal conduct”.
“The rule of law is under attack at multiple levels. We should not forget the painful lessons from the State Capture era, where our country was brought to its knees by those using every possible avenue, including the media, to try to destroy our institutions.
“We should remain vigilant to protect the gains we have made to ensure that the rule of law once again lights our path towards a prosperous and equitable future. The NPA will not be deterred by fake news attacks, driven by various agendas, including political,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za
