Cape Town – The Hawks has reportedly requested National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi to review the withdrawal of corruption charges against politician Zizi Kodwa and businessman Jehan Mackay.
The charges were initially withdrawn by Johannesburg’s Director of Public Prosecutions, Andrew Chauke, on Friday following representations from the accused.
Allegations against Kodwa involve kickbacks received for government tender influence.
[WATCH] State withdraws corruption charges against former Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa and co-accused Jehan Mackay.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/4WX5agNQOh
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) November 1, 2024
According to Times Live, shortly after the charges were dropped, National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga confirmed that the Hawks had submitted a request for Batohi to reassess Chauke’s decision.
“In terms of section 179(5)(d) of the constitution, the NDPP may review a decision to prosecute or not to prosecute, after consultation with the relevant DPP and after taking representations within a specified period from the accused person; the complainant; any other person or party whom the NDPP considers to be relevant.
“The NDPP will review the decision in line with the above stated legal framework and communicate the decision accordingly,” the report quoted Mhaga as saying.
The National Prosecuting Authority is under scrutiny as high-profile cases, including the Eskom corruption case, have been dismissed or delayed, impacting public confidence.
Batohi’s office will review the decision per legal provisions.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
