The new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) in South Africa after succeeding Shamila Batohi Advocate Andy Mothibi has ordered an urgent internal investigation following various allegations of alleged mishandling of serious commercial cases or misconduct by senior prosecutors in the Specialized Commercial Crimes Unit (SCCU).
Mothibi orders the investigation after News 24 reported that there were various allegations of mishandling of serious around Johannesburg office, as published by reported by related to cases handled by the Specialised Commercial Crimes Unit (SCCU) in the DPP Gauteng Local Division, Johannesburg.
Newly appointed National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Kaizer Kganyago said in the matter reported in the article dated 07 February 2026 with the heading: “NPA curbs JDA boss Themba Mathibe’s R2m cash-in-transit heist case, despite evidence”, reporting allegations of interference by the SCCU in a case involving Johannesburg Development Agency CEO, Themba Mathibe, the Office for Ethics and Accountability (OEA) obtained and perused the case docket, charge sheet and reports from the NPA officials mentioned in the article.
“The investigation reveals that the amounts mentioned in the News24 article do not correspond with the facts contained in the docket. The actual amount that was seized during the operation was less than R500 000.00, and there is no evidence in the docket of R2m seized. At this stage, the investigation is still underway to determine whether the money seized emanated from a cash in transit robbery.
“The case was not enrolled by the SCCU in the division, as the unit has a limited mandate and only deals with the most complex, high value matters. The case was therefore referred to the general courts and was enrolled at the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court on 28 January 2026 and postponed to 02 June 2026 for further investigations. Bail in the amount of R50 000.00 was granted,” he said.
Kganyago said the Asset Forfeiture Unit of the NPA is also seized with the matter. The case will be closely monitored.
“With respect to the matter reported on 31 January 2026, with the headline “NPA stalls R64m City Power fraud, corruption case, despite arrest warrants”, the matter is still under investigation. Significant progress has been made and the evidence obtained to date is being evaluated.
“The matter is complex, sensitive, and very serious and requires a thorough investigation to ensure that the truth is established. The NPA remains committed to the speedy finalisation of the matter but cannot compromise the investigation. The media will be kept abreast of developments,” he said.
Kganyago further said that News 24 further submitted a media enquiry on 16 February 2026, where the journalist reported allegations against the same SCCU office, about the withdrawal of charges in the R116m procurement of IT and software technology for access management and control in the Gauteng Shared Service Centre (GSSC).
“The matter is also under investigation and the evidence gathered is being considered.
The matter is complex and serious, and the investigation requires more time to do justice to it. The media and public are assured of the NPA’s commitment to addressing unethical conduct but appeals for a measure of patience to ensure that justice is done for all those involved in this matter.
“The NPA will keep the public and the media appraised of developments in the matter.
The NDPP places a premium on ethical conduct and accountability by prosecutors and how they deal with criminal cases with accordance with their oath of office, to prosecute without fear, favour, or prejudice,” he said.