Are SA’s prosecutors free to act independently?

 Paul Hoffman All too often it is assumed that the common legal phrase “without fear, favour or prejudice”, as it is used in the SA Constitution, is merely a synonym for “independence” and that those enjoined to act without fear favour or prejudice are required to act...

Bullseye, Mr President

Paul Hoffman | 16 February 2026 Paul Hoffman says an independent body to deal effectively with corruption and organised crime is long overdue in SA The SONA of 2026, delivered in the city hall of Cape Town by President Cyril Ramaphosa contains a vital message worth...

LETTER: Prioritising human dignity in justice reforms

Gun control legislation should be aligned with all human rights standards In part, section 12(2) of the bill of rights reads: Everyone has the right to bodily and psychological integrity, which includes the right to security in and control over their body. The state...

Public submissions on Mkhwanazi allegations heard

The ad hoc committee investigating allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has held public hearings as part of its participation process. The committee heard submissions from various interested parties. This includes Accountability Now...

A conundrum for Andy Mothibi

Paul Hoffman | 03 February 2026 Paul Hoffman on the new NDPP's challenge in getting the NPA to achieve its core mandate As from 1 February, 2026, SA has a new National Director of Public Prosecutions, Andy Mothibi, who faces many daunting challenges in his new post, a...

Spotlight on new NDPP Mothibi’s age

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnYT9W88mzs The age of the newly-appointed National Director of Public Prosecutions is in the spotlight. Adv. Andy Mothibi is 63 years old, and some are questioning if age is on his side to get things done. President Cyril Ramaphosa...

Who is Andy Mothibi?

The age of Andy Mothibi, newly appointed National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), is difficult to determine via the internet. It is known that he graduated from NWU in 1987 with a B. Proc. degree. Assuming he commenced his tertiary academic career immediately...

A response to Martin van Staden, using his own words

Paul Hoffman Nov 26, 2025 Livening my day is the response Martin van Staden has given (Questioning Hoffman’s broadside against SA’s federal Constitution) to my criticism (A little First Aid for Martin van Staden) of his openly reluctant support (A reluctant defence of...

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