Overview
- Mothibi will take office on 1 February 2026, succeeding Shamila Batohi after her seven-year term at the National Prosecuting Authority.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa defended the move as a lawful exercise of his powers, noting time constraints after the panel reported no suitable interviewees.
- Leonard Lekgetho, the SIU’s chief operations officer, has been appointed acting head of the unit from 1 February to ensure continuity.
- The law firm B Xulu and Partners has launched an urgent court bid to halt or review the selection, alleging procedural unfairness linked to how objections about candidate Hermione Cronje were handled.
- Reactions range from parliamentary assurances of tough oversight and civil society process concerns to MK Party allegations of political motive, with some noting Mothibi was not among the six candidates interviewed.