Ngakaagae commits to pursuing high-profile cases without fear or favour
Mpho Mokwape | Monday April 27, 2026 06:00
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Kgosietsile Ngakaagae, said the DPP will uphold prosecutorial independence and ensure that no individual is treated differently under the law.
He stated that all decisions will be based strictly on evidence and legal principles. “All cases, including those involving high-profile individuals, will be pursued without fear or favour. The office will not allow external pressure or influence to affect its work,” Ngakaagae said.
The Director explained that maintaining independence is essential for the justice system to function properly. He said the DPP is committed to ensuring that prosecutors can carry out their duties without interference. “Our decisions are guided by evidence and the rule of law. No charges will be brought based on suspicion alone,” he said.
Ngakaagae said the approach applies to all cases, regardless of the status or position of those involved. He emphasized that fairness and consistency are key principles in the DPP's work.
He noted that cases involving prominent individuals often attract public attention, which can create pressure on the justice system. However, he said such attention will not influence how cases are handled.
“The same standards apply to every case. We do not act based on public opinion or speculation,” he said. The Director said the DPP is working to strengthen public confidence by ensuring transparency in its processes. He explained that clear communication and adherence to legal standards are important in building trust.
Ngakaagae also addressed concerns about accountability, saying the office is committed to being open about its work and ensuring its decisions can be explained.
He added that systems are being improved to support consistency and fairness in prosecutions. “We are strengthening our internal processes to ensure that every decision is properly grounded,” he said.
The Director also highlighted the importance of professionalism among prosecutors, stating that staff are expected to act with integrity and follow ethical standards at all times.
He added that ongoing training is part of efforts to maintain high standards within the office of the DPP. Ngakaagae said the DPP is also dealing with operational challenges, including a growing backlog of cases and limited resources.
Despite these issues, he said his office remains focused on delivering justice. “We are working to improve efficiency while maintaining fairness,” he said.
He noted that the government has approved 17 additional prosecutorial posts to help address capacity constraints. He said this will support efforts to handle cases more effectively, including complex or high-profile ones.
The Director also spoke about the importance of equal application of the law. He said justice must be seen to be fair for the public to have confidence in the system.
“Every individual must be treated equally before the law,” he said. Ngakaagae said the DPP will continue to engage with stakeholders as part of its reform agenda, noting that cooperation between institutions and the public is important in maintaining a fair justice system.
He emphasized that independence does not mean acting without accountability. Instead, he said, it involves making legally sound decisions open to scrutiny. “We are accountable for our decisions. We must ensure that they are based on facts and the law,” he said.
The Director continued by reiterating the DPP’s commitment to principled prosecution. He said the Office will continue to pursue justice in all cases, regardless of who is involved. He explained that the media briefing was to clarify how the DPP intends to handle cases going forward and said that, by focusing on independence, fairness, and evidence-based decisions, his office aims to strengthen trust in the justice system.
Ngakaagae said the message is clear: no individual is above the law, and all cases will be handled with the same level of seriousness and professionalism. In conclusion, Ngakaagae said the DPP’s commitment to pursuing high-profile cases without fear or favour highlights its broader goal of ensuring that justice is applied equally and that his office will continue to uphold these principles as it carries out its mandate.