South Africa has a new head of prosecutions following an intense and closely watched appointment process that culminated on Tuesday night.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has selected Advocate Jan Lekgoa Mothibi as the country’s next National Director of Public Prosecutions, with the Presidency confirming the decision on 6 January 2026. Mothibi will formally take over the powerful role on 1 February 2026, stepping in as current NDPP Shamilla Batohi prepares to retire at the end of that month.
The appointment follows a series of interviews overseen by an advisory panel established by the president to guide the selection process. The panel, chaired by Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, completed its work in December and submitted its report to Ramaphosa on 12 December 2025.
Despite interviewing multiple candidates, the panel advised that none were suitable for the role, paving the way for Mothibi’s eventual appointment outside the initial shortlist.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the decision was made in line with section 179(1)(a) of the Constitution and section 10 of the National Prosecuting Authority Act. He confirmed that Mothibi brings extensive experience across the criminal justice system and public administration.
Mothibi currently serves as the head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), a position he will vacate to assume the NDPP role. His career began in the Johannesburg and Soweto magistrates’ and regional courts, where he worked as a public prosecutor before later serving as a magistrate in those same courts.
Beyond the courtroom, Mothibi has held senior roles managing legal, compliance and risk portfolios in both the public and private sectors. His previous positions include heading corporate legal services and governance at the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
With Mothibi’s move to the National Prosecuting Authority creating a leadership gap at the SIU, Ramaphosa has appointed Leonard Lekgetho as acting head of the unit from 1 February 2026. Lekgetho, who currently serves as SIU chief executive officer, brings more than two decades of forensic investigation experience. His background includes time as a forensic investigator at the former Directorate of Special Operations, commonly known as the Scorpions.
Ramaphosa also acknowledged the outgoing NDPP, thanking Batohi for her service and contribution as she prepares to step down after completing her term at the end of January 2026.
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