JOHANNESBURG - Andy Mothibi assumes office as National Director of Public Prosecutions on Monday.
President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed him in early January, ending his tenure as head of the Special Investigating Unit.
Mothibi was not among the six candidates interviewed by a panel led by Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi.
He replaces Shamila Batohi, who has concluded her seven-year term.
Some argue that Mothibi's appointment is unlawful and could face a legal challenge.
Speaking ahead of Mothibi’s first day, legal analyst Mpumelelo Zikalala said he must prioritise transparency, accountability and ensuring that the NPA is well resourced.
“What he must remember is that all the crime that his team is going to be prosecuting has got victims behind. Those victims must be able to say they got the justice they were looking for," Zikalala said.
Performance tools must also be up to scratch. There mustn’t be anyone who is not doing their work. We want to see an NPA that is working.
Zikalala said Mothibi had a tough task ahead as he would be working under public scrutiny.
“The best thing he must do is consult as much as possible and make sure he understands what the law is saying. Go and prosecute cases and come back with results. Make sure cases are thoroughly investigated before being prosecuted. No malicious prosecution and no prosecutions which are fuelled by political influence. Make sure you prosecute based on merits,” he added.