Kubayi Confirms Lifestyle Audits for All NPA Prosecutors Amid Corruption Concerns

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has announced that all public prosecutors within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will be subjected to lifestyle audits in the current financial year. The move is aimed at rooting out corruption within the NPA, following growing concerns about internal integrity and alleged infiltration by criminal elements.

The announcement by Kubayi comes in the wake of recent statements by the National Director of Public Prosecutions, Shamila Batohi, who warned that the NPA has been infiltrated by unsavoury actors working against the organisation’s mandate to uphold justice. Her claims have sparked political debate and prompted calls for urgent intervention.

Kubayi Refutes Infiltration Narrative but Acknowledges Corruption Risks

During a parliamentary session of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Tuesday, Kubayi addressed questions surrounding the NPA’s integrity and confirmed that the government is taking proactive measures to rebuild trust in the institution. While acknowledging the presence of corrupt individuals within the NPA, Kubayi disputed the idea that the organisation had been systematically infiltrated.

According to Kubayi, the problem is not unique to the NPA, but reflects broader societal challenges.

“The issue is not necessarily infiltration,” Kubayi explained. “We have always acknowledged that in a society where corruption exists, there will be individuals within any organisation—including the NPA—who act contrary to the values of justice. That’s exactly why lifestyle audits are now non-negotiable.”

She went on to say that the implementation of lifestyle audits will help reveal inconsistencies between employees’ declared income and actual living standards, making it easier to detect illicit enrichment and hold individuals accountable.

Claims of corruption and possible infiltration within the NPA have sparked strong reactions across Parliament. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and other opposition parties have called for an inquiry into the state of the NPA, with some members even demanding the resignation of Batohi.

However, Kubayi offered a measured response, insisting that the focus should be on systemic reform rather than individual scapegoating.

“Concerns about the NPA’s integrity are not new,” Kubayi said. “We’ve been dealing with these issues for years. What we are doing now is institutionalising accountability, beginning with lifestyle audits for every prosecutor in the country—regardless of rank.”

Kubayi emphasized that lifestyle audits are just one of several reforms currently being implemented to ensure transparency and rebuild public trust in the NPA. The audits are designed to uncover discrepancies between employees’ earnings and their standard of living, allowing authorities to flag potentially corrupt behavior before it escalates.

“With lifestyle audits, you can identify patterns—whether someone is living beyond their means. That’s where investigations can begin,” Kubayi noted.

She also stressed that these audits would not be selective or symbolic. Instead, they would apply to all prosecutors, from junior staff to senior officials, across every region in the country.

The audits will be carried out by designated internal oversight bodies, with external support where necessary, to ensure impartiality and effectiveness.

Beyond lifestyle audits, Kubayi also revealed that structural reforms within the NPA are already underway. One major goal is to secure financial independence for the NPA, allowing it to operate without relying directly on the Department of Justice for funding and administration.

“We are working to make the NPA a more autonomous institution,” said Kubayi. “That includes establishing a CEO or Director-General role within the NPA to oversee administrative functions and provide stronger internal governance.”

This structural overhaul, Kubayi explained, is part of a broader vision to enhance the NPA’s credibility and efficiency in prosecuting complex cases, particularly those involving state capture and organised crime.

The public response to Kubayi’s announcement has been mixed. While many civil society organisations and legal experts have welcomed the move toward lifestyle audits, critics argue that these measures are long overdue and should be expanded to other arms of government.

Meanwhile, political parties remain divided over the leadership of Shamila Batohi, with some insisting on her resignation and others calling for her to be supported as she attempts to reform the embattled institution.

Despite the controversy, Kubayi stood firm in her position, stating that the path to a more accountable NPA begins with transparency and discipline at every level.

Kubayi’s initiative marks a significant step forward in addressing corruption within South Africa’s justice system. As lifestyle audits roll out and institutional reforms continue, all eyes will be on the NPA and whether these changes will be enough to restore faith in one of the country’s most critical institutions.