Advocate Chuma Mtengwane is a highly accomplished prosecutor with over 25 years of experience in the South African public sector. She currently serves as the Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions (DNDPP) in the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), where significant expertise spans asset forfeiture, criminal investigation, police communication, trial litigation, and settlement negotiations.

She has an extensive track record in representing the state in complex trials, hearings, and court proceedings. In the role of Special Director of Public Prosecutions, working closely with the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Adv Mtengwane has played a key role in establishing and strengthening strategic bilateral engagements with member states and international partners.

She actively contributes to enhancing South Africa’s international cooperation on asset tracing and recovery, engaging with key global stakeholders to advance collaborative enforcement efforts. As a co-founder and co-secretariat lead of the Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network for Southern Africa (ARINSA) and has been instrumental in building regional capacity and fostering cooperation in asset recovery initiatives.

She holds qualifications from the University of Transkei, including a Bachelor’s Degree obtained in 1998 and a further qualification completed in 2000. Prior to this, secondary education was completed at Qokolweni Senior Secondary School in 1994.

Adv Mtengwane is also a member of the Legal Aid Committee and the Juridical Society, contributing to the advancement of legal practice and professional collaboration within the justice sector.

These efforts have delivered meaningful outcomes and continue to support the advancement of trust, collaboration, and sustained investment in international asset recovery.