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Gauteng NPA achieves remarkable 91.9% conviction rate amid challenges in corruption prosecutions

Gauteng NPA achieves remarkable 91.9% conviction rate amid challenges in corruption prosecutions
Michelle Banda
By Michelle Banda
5 Dec 2024
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The NPA’s achievements in securing high conviction rates reflect its commitment to tackling priority crimes in Gauteng. However, challenges remain, particularly in corruption cases, as the NPA continues to build capacity and enhance its ability to deal with complex, high-profile prosecutions, according to its Gauteng division head Advocate Sibongile Mzinyathi.

The Gauteng Division of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has reported impressive conviction rates for the 2023/2024 financial year, with a 91.9% conviction rate for high court cases involving serious offenses. 

Among the notable successes were femicide and cybercrime prosecutions, both achieving a 100% conviction rate. However, Advocate Sibongile Mzinyathi, the Director of Public Prosecutions for Gauteng, highlighted challenges in tackling corruption cases due to a shortage of specialized prosecutors.

Speaking at the NPA headquarters in Pretoria on Thursday, Mzinyathi emphasised that while lower courts continued to meet their targets, corruption matters faced delays due to the complex nature of these cases and the lack of skilled prosecutors. He noted: “These cases require specialised skills and are often hotly contested, leading to lower finalisation rates.”

Conviction Rates for 2023/2024



  • 100% in femicide prosecutions

  • 100% in cybercrime cases

  • 97.2% in intimate partner femicide

  • 96.3% in district courts

  • 91.9% in high court

  • 90.5% in complex commercial crimes

  • 88.9% in organised crime

  • 83.8% in regional courts

  • 81.7% in murder

  • 80.5% in trio crimes (house, business robberies, car hijacking)


Mzinyathi acknowledged that the high conviction rates in trio crimes (house, business robberies, and car hijacking) had previously been low. However, the involvement of skilled prosecutors had contributed to a significant improvement in conviction rates.

In reporting on the performance for the year the NPA also took a chance to launch strategic projects aimed at addressing priority crimes in Gauteng, including:

  • Asset Forfeiture: The NPA is making effective use of section 18 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (Poca) to secure confiscation orders.

  • Drugs Project: Working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to gather intelligence on drug syndicates.

  • Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Promoting community initiatives to tackle GBV.

  • Community Prosecution: Encouraging public participation in crime prevention.


Updates on High-Profile Cases


Mzinyathi provided an update on the VBS Mutual Bank scandal, which now involves former Justice minister Thembi Simelane. Citing the complexity of the case and the ongoing investigation process, Mzinyathi would not be drawn into commenting further. A “Stalingrad defence” strategy has also contributed to delays in the trial.

Read more: Thembi Simelane’s unexplained cash (Part Three) — The mystery cash used to pay back R849K for VBS-linked loan

Steinhoff Case


Former Steinhoff CFO Andries Benjamin La Grange was sentenced to 10 years in prison (with five years suspended) on 3 October 2024 for fraud. He is required to testify in future criminal cases against other Steinhoff directors. Dr Gerhardus Diedricks Burger, a former physician at Steinhoff, was sentenced on 26 September 2024 to five years in prison (suspended for five years) and must testify in ongoing criminal cases involving his accomplices.

Life Esidimeni Inquest


The inquest, which began in July 2021, has heard from 40 witnesses. Judge MJ Teffo found former Gauteng officials Qedani Mahlangu and Dr Makgabo Manamela responsible for the deaths of nine patients. A decision on whether to prosecute them is still pending.

Bushiri Case


The Hawks are investigating a series of fraud, money laundering, and alleged rape cases involving the Bushiri family’s church. The main accused, Shepherd Bushiri, and his wife fled the country, and extradition proceedings are under way. The fraud trial for the co-accused will begin on 20 January 2025, with a separation of trials granted in October 2024.

Asset Forfeiture and corruption investigations



  • Illegal Mining: The Asset Forfeiture Unit secured R18-million in forfeiture orders related to illegal gold mining syndicates in Khutsong and Carletonville. The trial is scheduled for February 2025.

  • National Lottery Corruption: Investigations revealed widespread fraud and theft at the National Lotteries Commission. The Asset Forfeiture Unit has filed 18 forfeiture applications, leading to the seizure of assets worth R93-million.

  • Eskom Corruption: In March 2024, the Asset Forfeiture Unit secured R33-million in forfeiture orders related to corruption at Eskom’s Kusile Power Station.

  • Eskom Syndicate: A freezing order was issued for R29-million in November 2023, targeting a syndicate involved in illegal electricity vending from Eskom. The trial is set for August 2025. DM

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