DA to request review of the decision on non-prosecution in Phala Phala matter
11 October 2024
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is concerned by the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Limpopo, Advocate Mukhali Ivy Thenga, not to prosecute anyone in relation to the Phala Phala scandal. This decision, taken after a so-called "comprehensive investigation" by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), fails to meet the expectations of transparency and accountability owed to the South African public.
We will urgently write to the National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Shamila Batohi, urging her to review this decision as a matter of urgency. We will also call for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to explain this decision before the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development.
The Phala Phala scandal is much too important to simply disappear without thorough scrutiny and full interrogation of the reasons behind this outcome.
The public has the right to know how the NPA can conclude that there is "no reasonable prospect of a successful prosecution" despite critical evidence, such as CCTV footage and mobile phone records, reportedly linking the accused to the burglary and potential financial irregularities.