- The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party has filed an urgent application in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on 23 February 2026
- The party expressed concern over the conduct of advocate Shamila Batohi during cross-examination during the masked interrogation.
- South Africans took to social media to comment on the MK party's legal challenge, with many supporting the decision
Source: Getty Images
Byron Pillay, A news in brief Journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political scene, crime and social issues. Before moving into online journalism he spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier.
Gauteng – Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) The party is seeking to bar lawyer Shamila Batohi from receiving her pension and other post-term gratuities pending a review.
Advocate Batohi was the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) till then his contract expired Officially on 31 January 2026. He was replaced by advocate Andy Mothibi.
Batohi's tenure as head of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) after him ended on a sour note conduct in veiled interrogation. The inquiry is hearing into the suitability of advocate Andrew Chauke to hold the post of Director of Public Prosecutions. Batohi recently walked out of the proceedings and refused to continue her cross-examination without legal representation, sparking widespread criticism online.
Source: UGC
MK party filed nomination against Batohi
Party files nomination in Gauteng on Monday, 23 February 2026 high court Payment of the former Batohi's pension and other post-term gratuities should be immediately stopped pending a review in Pretoria.
The application also aims to overturn the decision to fund her legal costs at the Nakabinde inquiry, with the party saying concerns were raised following her testimony at the inquiry. The party argued that the legal bid seeks to ensure that public funds are spent 'legitimately, rationally and constitutionally defensible' in circumstances where concerns have been raised.
The MK party said there was material regarding Batohi's tenure that needed to be considered before authorizing any payment of financial benefits. The party's application is expected to be heard in March 2026.
South Africans react to MK Party's legal challenge
Social media users valued the MK Party's legal challenge, with many agreeing with the party's stance.
Thapelo Shiburi said:
“I am not a big fan of MKP, but I stand with them on this matter. Actually, this woman was on leave in that office. She never achieved anything nor informed the public about important issues in the office.”
Makuseli Dibela said:
“He is very close to Ramaphosa.”
Krila Mfeni said:
“Good move by MKP. This was a huge legal blunder made by Batohi Ramaphosa. The state cannot continue to pay this man who successfully botched the NPA job.”
Mello Tlou said:
“In Mzansi, you get paid for failing to do your job or being corrupt.”
Desire Fun-Sum suggested:
“Block the pension funds of fraudulent ANC members. They stole substantial billions.”
Sizwe Dlamini said:
“This Batohi has been looting the state treasury.”
MK party filed complaint against Batohi
news in brief It was told that MK party filed two complaints Against NPA chief advocate Shamila Batohi.
Party, led by jacob jumaAccused the NDP of corruption and mishandling of several violent crime cases.
The complaints focused on the 2010 murder of 16-year-old Kwazi Ndlovu, which the party claims was improperly investigated.
Source: News in Brief