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The National Directorate of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), headed by advocate Shamila Batohi, is in the process of reassessing the controversial decision to withdraw corruption charges against former Minister Zizi Kodwa, as confirmed by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
This development comes after the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation, more commonly known as the Hawks, penned a formal request urging NDPP Batohi to reconsider the stance previously taken by advocate Andrew Chauke, the Director of Public Prosecutions South Gauteng.
Zizi Kodwa, who previously served as the minister of sport, arts, and culture, and his co-accused businessman Jehan Mackay, found themselves embroiled in corruption allegations after reportedly receiving undue payments from Enterprise Outsourcing Holdings (EOH), a company that benefitted from lucrative government tenders.
The saga took a turn on the 1st of November when Chauke, citing representations from the accused, chose to withdraw the charges laid against Kodwa and Mackay, which fell under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA).
NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga has shed light on the constitutional provisions at play, specifically Section 179 (5) (d), which empowers the NDPP to review prosecutorial decisions post-consultation with the relevant DPP. Furthermore, this provision allows for the consideration of representations from various parties, such as the accused, the complainant, and any others deemed significant to the case.
Mhaga assured that NDPP Batohi would execute the review process in accordance with the outlined legal framework and will communicate any resultant decisions to the pertinent parties.
The case of Zizi Kodwa has sparked wide public interest, bringing to the forefront issues of corruption and the accountability of public officials. As advocate Batohi undertakes this review, it is expected to underscore the commitment of South Africa's legal framework to uphold integrity, especially within the highest echelons of government service. The eventual decision, whether it maintains the withdrawal of charges or reignites the case against Kodwa, promises to deliver implications for the country's battle against corruption and the operability of its judicial system.