NPA records 93.8% conviction rate

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Pretoria – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is forging ahead with its mission of ensuring justice for victims of crime by prosecuting without fear, favour and prejudice.

The organisation has achieved a remarkable overall 93.8% conviction rate from April 2015 to end September 2016, the Department of Justice and Correctional Services said on Friday.

In respect of the high courts, the NPA obtained a 93% conviction rate, while in the regional and district courts, the conviction rates were 80% and 95% respectively for the same period.

The conviction rate for complex commercial crime cases stood at 91.5%, while convictions in sexual offence cases stood at 71.5%, the department said after Minister Michael Masutha met with the leadership of the NPA.

Minister Masutha met with the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Shaun Abrahams, the Deputy National Directors of Public Prosecutions and the Regional Directors of Public Prosecutions.

The department said the Minister deemed it appropriate to reaffirm his support for the NPA, which plays a critical role in the administration of justice, despite the recent speculation surrounding the NPA.

Minister Masutha appealed to members of the public and the media to allow the NPA to carry out its mandate, as guided by the Constitution and the NPA Act.

“Let the good work that has been done by the NPA not be undermined by recent events. The organisation has a very significant role to play in administering justice every day. Let us support the NPA and its prosecutorial team to do their work, without fear, favour or prejudice,” said Minister Masutha. – SAnews.gov.za