Pretoria: President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed two Deputy National Directors of Public Prosecutions in a move aimed at strengthening the effectiveness of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the fight against crime.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Presidency announced the appointment of Advocate Chuma Mtengwane as Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions: Asset Forfeiture Unit, and Advocate Nicolette Astraid Bell as Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions: National Prosecutions Services. These appointments were made under section 11(1) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act, 1998 (Act No. 32 of 1998), following consultations with Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, and National Director of Public Prosecutions, Andy Mothibi.
The Presidency emphasized that the appointments are part of efforts to ensure that the NPA remains effective in combating crime while maintaining public trust. President Ramaphosa expressed his best wishes to the newly appointed officials as they take on their roles within the NPA. He highlighted their mandate to institute criminal proceedings on behalf of the State.
Advocate Mtengwane, who currently serves as Acting Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions: Asset Forfeiture Unit, brings with her 25 years of prosecutorial experience in the public sector. Her areas of expertise include asset forfeiture, criminal investigation, police communications, trial litigation, and settlement negotiation.
Advocate Bell, a career prosecutor who began her service on 1 May 1995 at the Krugersdorp Magistrate's Court, has over 29 years of legal experience. She has served as a Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions for more than 18 years, including 18 years in senior management positions within the NPA.