President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Advocate Jan Lekgoa Mothibi as South Africa’s new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), marking a significant leadership transition at the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
The appointment will take effect on 1 February 2026, when Mothibi officially replaces Advocate Shamila Batohi, whose term as NDPP is nearing its conclusion.
A Career Rooted in Prosecution and the Courts
Advocate Mothibi currently serves as the head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), a role in which he has overseen high-profile investigations into corruption, maladministration and the misuse of public funds.
His legal career began in the public service, where he worked as a prosecutor in the Johannesburg and Soweto magistrates’ and regional courts. He later served as a magistrate in the same jurisdictions, giving him direct experience across multiple levels of the criminal justice system.
Over the years, Mothibi has also held senior positions in both the public and private sectors, broadening his governance and legal management expertise.
Experience Beyond the Justice System
Beyond the courts, Mothibi has played a key role at the South African Revenue Service (SARS), where he served as head of corporate legal services and head of governance. These roles placed him at the centre of compliance, institutional reform and oversight during a period when public entities faced intense scrutiny.
His combined background in prosecution, adjudication and governance is expected to shape his approach as head of the NPA, an institution still grappling with rebuilding public trust after years of controversy.
SIU Leadership Changes Following Appointment
Mothibi’s move to the NPA creates a leadership vacancy at the SIU. To ensure continuity, President Ramaphosa has appointed Leonard Lekgetho as acting head of the unit.
Lekgetho currently serves as the SIU’s chief executive officer and is expected to oversee the organisation’s operations while a permanent appointment process unfolds.
Ramaphosa Thanks Outgoing NDPP Shamila Batohi
President Ramaphosa also expressed his appreciation to Advocate Shamila Batohi for her service as NDPP. Batohi’s tenure has been marked by efforts to restore the credibility of the NPA and pursue accountability in complex corruption cases linked to state capture and organised crime.
As her term comes to an end, attention will increasingly turn to how the transition in leadership may influence the pace and direction of prosecutions in the years ahead.
A Pivotal Moment for the NPA
Mothibi’s appointment arrives at a critical time for South Africa’s criminal justice system, with public expectations high around accountability, institutional independence and the rule of law.
Whether his experience at the SIU and SARS translates into renewed momentum at the NPA will be closely watched by legal professionals, civil society and the broader public alike.
