The National Prosecuting Authority has broken its silence over the shocking absence of a prosecutor during the bail application of taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni, with spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga describing the incident as completely without precedent in the history of the institution.
Speaking on eNCA, Mhaga confirmed that as of the time of his appearance, no explanation had been received from the missing prosecutor — a silence that has only deepened concerns about the circumstances surrounding the controversial non-appearance that ultimately led to Sibanyoni’s release.
“This is unprecedented,” Mhaga stated plainly, acknowledging that a prosecutor simply not showing up in court is not something the NPA has encountered before. The admission is significant, coming directly from the institution’s own spokesperson and reinforcing the gravity of what transpired in court.
Mhaga confirmed that the NPA is moving swiftly to address the matter. Summons are currently being prepared, with the process sitting with the Director of Public Prosecutions in Mpumalanga. He assured the public that accountability would follow without unnecessary delay.
“Very soon action will be taken,” Mhaga added, signalling that the NPA has no intention of allowing the matter to be swept under the carpet despite the embarrassment it has caused the institution.
In what appeared to be a broader effort to contextualise the incident within the NPA’s overall performance, Mhaga highlighted that the institution currently boasts a 94.8 percent conviction rate a figure he used to reinforce his position that while challenges exist, the NPA remains firmly on the right trajectory.
South Africans, however, will be watching closely to ensure that promised action materialises.