Cape Town – Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has opened a criminal case to investigate a fake WhatsApp conversation falsely linking her to influencing prosecutorial decisions at the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
This follows a Sunday news report alleging that two Cabinet Ministers instructed the NPA to press charges against Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
Kubayi filed charges of fraud, impersonation, and obstruction of justice at Brooklyn Police Station in Tshwane.
She stressed the need to protect democratic institutions like the NPA from political interference, referencing past state capture issues that weakened institutions.
[FAKE WHATSAPP CONVERSATION] Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi’s has opened a criminal case of fraud, obstruction of justice, impersonation, cybercrime, defamation, and crimen injuria at Brooklyn Police Station in Pretoria – Sunday, 30 March… pic.twitter.com/YCF5VKOpv9
— South African Justice, Crime Prevention & Security (@RSA_JCPS) March 30, 2025
“I’ve [opened a case] because it’s important for us to protect [democratic] institutions and that are implementing our justice system. One of the critical institutions that must be protected for its independence is the NPA.
“We have seen previously how the issues of state capture have compromised our institutions to the point of collapse. I’m one of those that has committed that we will rebuild our institutions and that we allow them to function without fear or favour.
“That’s why it’s important for me to open this case because we cannot allow where, in the public domain, an impression is given that these institutions are compromised to the point that they cannot do their work,” she said.
Kubayi reaffirmed her commitment to allowing justice bodies to operate independently and without fear or favour.
Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has opened a case at Brooklyn Police Station in Pretoria this evening, Sunday, 30 March 2025, to investigate a fabricated WhatsApp conversation falsely linking her to prosecutorial decisions. The Minister reaffirms her commitment to protecting and… pic.twitter.com/3mrYmrV2Fx
— The DoJ & CD (@DOJCD_ZA) March 30, 2025
“No one must be above the law. But most importantly, no one – including myself – must interfere with law institutions or any institutions that must do their work.
“We will not have political interference of any sort in the work of the NPA. I reassure South Africans of my commitment to fulfil my obligation and to abide by my oath of office,” the minister said.
The NPA also dismissed the report as “fake news”, reiterating that its leadership has never faced executive interference and remains committed to serving South Africans impartially.
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