MK Party accuses Batohi of arrogance, lodges formal complaints

The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has accused National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head Advocate Shamila Batohi of arrogance and misconduct, following her abrupt departure from proceedings at the Nkabinde Inquiry without permission.

The party’s acting parliamentary leader, Des van Rooyen, said Batohi’s conduct showed “utter arrogance” unbecoming of someone holding such a senior office, adding that legal consequences should follow.

The party has lodged two formal complaints against Batohi with the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), accusing her of corruption and gross negligence in the handling of serious violent crime cases.

The complaints relate to the murder of 16-year-old Kwezi Ndlovu, who was allegedly shot and killed in 2010 by former Cato Manor “Death Squad” member Warrant Officer Gonasagren Padayachee. The MK Party maintains the case was mishandled and is calling on both IDAC and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to reopen and fully investigate the matter.

Van Rooyen also criticised Batohi’s conduct at the Nkabinde Inquiry, where the case was revisited, saying accountability must be enforced.

He alleged that evidence in Ndlovu’s case was manipulated, arguing that South Africans cannot tolerate a justice system where children are killed without provocation and prosecutorial authority is used to shield perpetrators.

According to the MK Party, evidence presented before the Nkabinde Inquiry — including Batohi’s own testimony — points to serious irregularities. The party claims forensic and ballistic evidence contradicted the decision to dismiss the case due to insufficient evidence.

Van Rooyen further alleged that a firearm was planted at the scene to support a false claim of self-defence.

“Further evidence suggested that a firearm was introduced at the scene after the shooting to fabricate the claim of lawful force. The Nkabinde Inquiry was presented with video footage depicting police assault and torture of suspects while under police control. This footage, together with sworn testimony, showed active involvement by SAPS members including a senior officer,” says van Rooyen.

The party says it will pursue accountability through all lawful avenues.

MK Party MP, Mzwanele Manyi, said the party is confident IDAC will properly consider its complaint, warning that the matter will be escalated if ignored.

Manyi alleged that Padayachee fabricated a self-defence version to evade responsibility and said three ballistic reports were never properly considered by the court.

He insisted the teenager was unlawfully executed and said Batohi’s testimony before the Nkabinde Inquiry raises serious concerns about the handling of the case.

“No they have a duty to do this we are not here to beg them for anything. If they don’t do this we will escalate the matter,” Manyi said.

[MEDIA STATEMENT]: MK PARTY SUBMITS AFFIDAVIT TO IPID OVER POLICE KILLINGS AND VIDEO-DOCUMENTED TORTURE. pic.twitter.com/kN0i3zTdKn

— uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (Official) (@MkhontoweSizwex) December 17, 2025

Written by: Odirile Rabalao