Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has emphasized the need for all South Africans to protect institutions that uphold the rule of law, particularly the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Her remarks come as she opened a case of fraud, impersonation, and defeating the ends of justice on Sunday.
The move follows a weekend newspaper report alleging that Kubayi, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, and President Cyril Ramaphosa were colluding with the NPA to prosecute Deputy President Paul Mashatile. Speaking outside the Brooklyn Police Station in Pretoria, Kubayi dismissed the claims and stressed the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions.
“I have opened this case because it is crucial to protect institutions that uphold democracy and enforce our justice system. The NPA is one of the key institutions that must be shielded from interference,” she stated.
Kubayi highlighted the dangers of past state capture, which she said had severely weakened vital institutions. “We have seen how state capture compromised our institutions to the brink of collapse. We are committed to rebuilding them and ensuring they function independently, without fear or favor,” she added.
The minister reiterated that she could not allow public perceptions to erode trust in the NPA. “I cannot stand by while these institutions are undermined to the point where they are unable to perform their duties,” she said.
The case has added another layer to the political landscape, with ongoing concerns over institutional independence and accountability in South Africa’s justice system.