By Lulama kaSozathini
06 January 2026
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the appointment of Advocate Jan Lekgoa Mothibi as South Africa’s new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), with effect from 1 February 2026. The appointment comes after a rigorous and transparent selection process aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the country’s criminal justice system.
In terms of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Act, the responsibility to appoint the NDPP rests with the President. Given the importance of the role, President Ramaphosa established an advisory panel to oversee an open and transparent process to identify a suitable candidate.
The advisory panel was led by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Honourable Mmamoloko Kubayi. Its members included Mr Andrew Christoffel Nissen, Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission; Ms Nthabiseng Sepanya-Mogale, Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality; Ms Tsakani Maluleke, Auditor-General of South Africa; Professor Somadoda Fikeni, Chairperson of the Public Service Commission; Mr Nkosana Mvundlela, President of the Black Lawyers Association; and Mr Machini Motloung, President of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers.
Out of 32 applicants, the panel shortlisted six candidates for interviews. After concluding its work, the panel submitted its report to the President on 12 December 2025, advising that none of the interviewed candidates were suitable for the position of NDPP.
Following consideration of the report, President Ramaphosa exercised his powers under Section 179(1)(a) of the Constitution, read together with Section 10 of the National Prosecuting Authority Act, to appoint Advocate Mothibi to the post.
Advocate Mothibi currently serves as the Head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). He began his legal career as a public prosecutor in the Johannesburg and Soweto Magistrates’ and Regional Courts, and later served as a magistrate in the same courts. Over the years, he has built extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, including senior roles at the South African Revenue Service (SARS), where he headed Corporate Legal Services and Governance.
President Ramaphosa expressed his appreciation to outgoing NDPP, Advocate Shamila Batohi, for her service and contribution to the National Prosecuting Authority, and wished her well in her future endeavours. The President also thanked the members of the advisory panel for their guidance and for carrying out their duties diligently.
With Advocate Mothibi’s move to the NPA creating a vacancy at the SIU, the President has appointed Mr Leonard Lekgetho as Acting Head of the Special Investigating Unit, also effective from 1 February 2026. The appointment is in line with Section 3(1)(b) of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act of 1996.
Mr Lekgetho is currently the Chief Operations Officer of the SIU and brings more than 22 years of experience in forensic investigations. His career includes service as a forensic investigator at the former Directorate of Special Operations, widely known as the Scorpions.
The appointments mark a significant moment for South Africa’s prosecuting and investigative institutions as the country continues its efforts to strengthen accountability and the rule of law.
