South Africa’s search for a new National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Head is entering a decisive stage, and the pressure is rising fast as the ministry releases the shortlisted candidates.
The Justice and Constitutional Development Ministry has confirmed six candidates for interviews after weeks of intense screening, renewed public interest, and widening calls for accountability.
This announcement comes as the current National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)head, Shamila Batohi, prepares to conclude her term.
NPA SHORTLIST SHAPES NATIONAL ANTICIPATION
The Advisory Panel, chaired by Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, reviewed 32 applications before narrowing the race to six names.
The panel extended the recruitment process last week to widen the pool and ensure a stronger selection.
This step followed the Legal Practice Council’s invitation to law bodies and professionals to submit nominations.
WHO MADE THE CUT IN THE NPA SHORTLIST?
The NPA shortlist features prominent legal minds with deep local and global experience.
Advocate Nicolette Bell, Advocate Andrea Johnson, and Advocate Adrian Mopp stand out as strong internal candidates.
Bell currently serves as the Director of Public Prosecutions in the Western Cape.
Johnson is the Investigating Director at the NPA, and his experience includes serving as Senior Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions.
Mopp also serves as a Director of Public Prosecutions in the Western Cape and previously held senior roles in Special Operations.
The panel also shortlisted external candidates, such as:
- Advocate Advocate Hermione Cronje brings international anti-corruption and asset recovery expertise from her work with global institutions, as an international anti-corruption and asset recovery specialist.
- Advocate Xolisile Khanyile offers deep experience in financial crime prevention, as she serves as the Chair of the Global Coalition to Fight Financial Crime.
- Additionally, former NDPP Menzi Simelane re-enters the spotlight, marking a possible return to a space he once led. He is currently an advocate with the Johannesburg Society of Advocates.
These diverse backgrounds set up a compelling interview round that could reshape the NPA’s future.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT IN THE SELECTION PROCESS?
The panel will conduct interviews with the shortlisted candidates between 10 and 11 December 2025.
Moreover, the public can still submit comments until 5 December 2025.
The Justice and Constitutional Development Ministry spokesperson, Terrence Manase, says this transparency adds a participatory layer to a process many South Africans want handled with integrity.
He says the candidates will receive interview details soon.
Their performances will determine who replaces outgoing NPA head Shamila Batohi, whose term ends in January 2026.
