President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Special Investigating Unit (SIU) head Andy Mothibi as the new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP). His term will officially begin on February 1, 2026.
The appointment follows a selection process led by an advisory panel chaired by Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi. The panel shortlisted and interviewed several candidates in December but concluded that none of them were suitable for the position. Based on this recommendation, the president decided to appoint Mothibi.
Mothibi brings extensive experience in the criminal justice system. He began his career as a public prosecutor in the Johannesburg and Soweto magistrates’ and regional courts and later served as a magistrate in the same jurisdictions. He has also held senior roles in legal, governance, compliance, and risk management in both the public and private sectors, including leadership positions at the South African Revenue Service.
The advisory panel was established in October as part of an effort to ensure an open and transparent process, reflecting the importance of the NDPP role within the criminal justice system.
Outgoing National Prosecuting Authority head Shamila Batohi’s term ends in January. The president expressed appreciation for her service and contribution to the prosecutions authority.
To ensure continuity at the SIU, Ramaphosa has appointed Leonard Lekgetho, the unit’s chief operations officer, as acting head. Lekgetho has over two decades of experience in forensic investigations, including prior service with the former Directorate of Special Operations, known as the Scorpions.
