Shamila Batohi’s Uncertain Future: Navigating Retirement and Controversy

Key Takeaways

• Shamila Batohi, the outgoing National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) boss, unexpectedly walked out of the Nkabinde Inquiry into the fitness to hold office of Johannesburg prosecutions boss Andrew Chauke.
• The inquiry was set up by President Cyril Ramaphosa after Batohi had written to him about Chauke’s role in two ongoing matters.
• The NPA confirmed an out-of-court settlement with Johan Booysen, the former head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in KwaZulu-Natal, and other members of the "Cato Manor Unit".
• The settlement was in respect of a civil claim instituted against the NPA by Booysen and other members for malicious prosecution.
• The matter has consumed the courts and the lives of those involved for almost 17 years.

Introduction to the Nkabinde Inquiry
The Nkabinde Inquiry into the fitness to hold office of Johannesburg prosecutions boss Andrew Chauke has been making headlines in recent weeks. The inquiry was set up by President Cyril Ramaphosa after Shamila Batohi, the outgoing National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) boss, had written to him about Chauke’s role in two ongoing matters. Batohi’s testimony at the inquiry has been closely watched, and her unexpected walkout on 15 December 2025 has raised eyebrows. The inquiry is significant not only because of the high-profile individuals involved but also because of the sensitive and complex issues being discussed.

The Cato Manor Settlement
In a related development, the NPA confirmed on 23 December 2025 that state legal representatives had reached an out-of-court settlement with Johan Booysen, the former head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in KwaZulu-Natal, and other members of the "Cato Manor Unit". The settlement was in respect of a civil claim instituted against the NPA by Booysen and other members for malicious prosecution. The matter has consumed the courts and the lives of those involved for almost 17 years. The settlement is a significant development, and its implications are still being understood.

The Nkabinde Inquiry Proceedings
The Nkabinde Inquiry proceedings have been marked by intense cross-examination and dramatic moments. Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, representing Chauke, has been grilling Batohi about her role in withdrawing charges against Booysen and the unit. The inquiry has also seen the introduction of graphic video footage taken by police reservist Aristeidis Danikas at an armed robbery shootout with members of the Cato Manor Unit in 2007. Batohi has admitted that she had never seen this evidence before, and the inquiry has been adjourned several times to allow her to catch up on the case.

The Role of Shamila Batohi
Batohi’s role in the inquiry has been closely watched, and her testimony has been subject to intense scrutiny. She has been accused of "attempting to poison the waters" by linking Chauke to the term "State Capture" without providing any evidence. Ngcukaitobi has charged that Batohi had failed to bring "a single piece of evidence" that implicated his client in "State Capture". Batohi’s actions have raised questions about her conduct and her decision-making as the head of the NPA.

The Cato Manor Unit Case
The Cato Manor Unit case is a complex and sensitive matter that has been ongoing for almost 17 years. The case involves allegations of malicious prosecution and police brutality. The unit was headed by Booysen, who had been investigating family members of former president Jacob Zuma and Durban businessman Thoshan Panday. The case has been marked by numerous twists and turns, including the introduction of graphic video footage and the signing of an affidavit by Danikas in Greek, which was later translated into English but remained unsigned.

The Future of the Nkabinde Inquiry
The future of the Nkabinde Inquiry is uncertain, and it is not clear what the panel will decide with regard to the two Danikas video clips supplied by Ngcukaitobi. Batohi is the first of seven heads of the NPA to complete her term of office, and her fate at the inquiry has not yet been made clear. The inquiry is significant not only because of the high-profile individuals involved but also because of the sensitive and complex issues being discussed. The outcome of the inquiry will have significant implications for the NPA and the justice system in South Africa.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the Nkabinde Inquiry into the fitness to hold office of Johannesburg prosecutions boss Andrew Chauke has been making headlines in recent weeks. The inquiry has been marked by intense cross-examination and dramatic moments, including the unexpected walkout by Shamila Batohi, the outgoing National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) boss. The inquiry is significant not only because of the high-profile individuals involved but also because of the sensitive and complex issues being discussed. The outcome of the inquiry will have significant implications for the NPA and the justice system in South Africa.