Six candidates are in the running to be South Africa’s next National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), including former National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Investigating Directorate head advocate Hermione Cronje.

The Advisory Panel handling the selection process, chaired by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi, met on Tuesday to finalise the screening of the nominated candidates, after receiving 32 applications.

The shortlisted candidates include 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 investigating director 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.

The panel is considering December 10 to 11 for the interview process and is inviting comments from interested persons and institutions on the suitability or otherwise of the candidates.

Submissions may be sent to the Secretariat at NDPPpanel@justice.gov.za by no later than December 5.

Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa established a panel for the selection of the NDPP, ahead of the end of advocate Shamila Batohi’s term of office.

Batohi will be required to vacate her office in January 2026, as she reaches the age of 65.