NPA and DPCI strengthen collaboration based on joint priorities and international good practice relationship

Members of the NPA and DPCI from national and regional levels, supported by the Hanns Seidel Foundation, held a joint workshop from 08 to 10 June in Pretoria. Strategic and operational mechanisms to further strengthen cooperation between the NPA and DPCI were the focus of the discussion.

The National Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv Shamila Batohi, and the National Head for the DPCI, General Godfrey Lebeya, with their top leadership teams joined senior prosecutors and investigators at the workshop, which also included leader prosecution experts from Germany.

The workshop focused on successful lessons from the German State of Bavaria in dealing with complex organised crime and corruption matters, including cases involving large amounts of data and digital evidence.

Based on an exchange of experience on cooperation between law enforcement agencies and case prioritisation, a new South African approach was discussed and jointly developed. 

The workshop concluded with an agreement regarding strengthening coordination and cooperation, expanding co-location and bolstering investigation and prosecution teams.

The workshop confirmed that the prioritisation of matters and the building of trust was essential to successfully dealing with complex cases.

The lessons learned and commitments will be taken back to the provinces and offices, and enhancements made to the current practices. The leadership committed to implementing the changes and monitoring implementation of the revised operation model on a quarterly basis.

To further enhance our collective efforts to end impunity for complex crime, the heads of the NPA and the DPCI reaffirmed the commitment of the two agencies to work closely together on all levels to investigate and prosecute these matters in most effective way possible, drawing on international good practice and partnerships.

It was also agreed to further exchange experience with our colleagues from Germany to empower and train our committed staff.

Ends

Enquiries:

Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga

NPA spokesperson

083 641 8141

and

Brigadier Nomthandazo Mbambo

DPCI(Hawks) Spokesperson

082 455 6030