Following publicised interviews with nominated candidates to find South Africa’s next National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Special Investigating Unit (SIU) head Advocate Andy Mothibi to fill the role, after he was reportedly asked to put his name in the ring for the position.

Mothibi is appointed with effect from February 1.

This after the advisory panel handling the selection process, chaired by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi, advised Ramaphosa that none of the interviewed candidates were suitable for the role of NDPP.

The panel concluded its process and submitted its report to the President on December 12.

Mothibi began his career as a Public Prosecutor in the Johannesburg and Soweto Magistrates and Regional Courts. He also served as a Magistrate in the Johannesburg and Soweto Magistrates Courts.

Mothibi has previously served in various public and private sector roles managing legal, compliance and risk management operations, including at South African Revenue Service as head of corporate legal services and head of governance.

Advocate Shamila Batohi will be required to vacate her office this month, as she reaches the age of 65.

In November, the panel announced that it had shortlisted six candidates for the NDPP position.

They include former National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Investigating Directorate (ID) head advocate Hermione Cronje, who is now a freelance international anti-corruption and asset recovery specialist; NPA Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions advocate Nicolette Astraid Bell; NPA ID advocate Andrea Johnson; Global Coalition to Fight Financial Crime chairperson advocate Xolisile Jennifer Khanyile; NPA Western Cape Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions advocate Adrian Carl Mopp; and Johannesburg Society of Advocates' advocate Menzi Simelane.

Ramaphosa thanked Batohi for her service and contribution to the country’s prosecutions agency and wished her well, while also extending his gratitude to the members of the panel.

Meanwhile, SIU COO Leonard Lekgetho will serve as acting head of SIU, with effect from February 1.

Ramaphosa pointed out that Lekgetho has over 22 years of forensic investigations experience, including serving as the Forensic Investigator at the then Directorate of Special Operations, which was known as the Scorpions.