The proclamation published in the Government Gazette said Mthunzi Mhaga will prepare briefs, presentations, speeches and documents for Shamila Batohi’s office.
PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa and Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola have set out the powers, duties and functions of newly-appointed special director of public prosecutions Mthunzi Mhaga.
Ramaphosa approved Mhaga’s appointment as special director of public prosecutions in the National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi’s office in June.
The president and Lamola announced details of Mhaga’s appointment and stated that he will provide legal advice to Batohi regarding specific legal and administrative issues and manage special national projects and operations as per her directives.
In a proclamation published in the Government Gazette on Friday, Ramaphosa and Lamola said Mhaga will prepare briefs, presentations, speeches and documents for Batohi.
Mhaga, a former spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority and the justice ministry, will also be expected to provide strategic inputs in matters brought before Batohi and compile business intelligence reports to assist her to make strategic decisions.
He is expected to manage the relationships between Batohi’s office, government departments, Parliament and external agencies.
According to Ramaphosa and Lamola, Mhaga will in general advise and assist Batohi as may be required to exercise her powers and carry out duties conferred or imposed on her by the Constitution or any other law.
Ramaphosa has previously described Mhaga as a highly experienced, skilled and multi-talented legal practitioner with 17 years’ experience covering state advocacy, specialised investigations, high, regional and district court prosecution having worked as a senior state advocate: specialised commercial crimes unit, senior state advocate: priority crimes litigation unit and a member of the now defunct Scorpions task team.
