PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – MAY 24: National Director of Public Prosecutions (NPPA) Adv Shamila Batohi (L) during a media briefing in Silverton where she introduced the new Investigating Director Adv Hermione Cronje (R) at NPA Head Office on Friday, 24 May 2019. (Photo by Gallo Images / Phill Magakoe)
Shamila Batohi: NPA head denies receiving millions from CR17 campaign
The NPA head rubbished the claims, stating that this was the work of dark forces who do not want a corrupt-free South Africa.
PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – MAY 24: National Director of Public Prosecutions (NPPA) Adv Shamila Batohi (L) during a media briefing in Silverton where she introduced the new Investigating Director Adv Hermione Cronje (R) at NPA Head Office on Friday, 24 May 2019. (Photo by Gallo Images / Phill Magakoe)
NPA head, Shamila Batohi, has categorically denied ever receiving money from the controversial CR17 campaign.
CR17 campaign: Shamila Batohi features in bank statement leaks
In yet another twist to the mystery of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2017 ANC Nasrec campaign, a list showing shoddy payments made to the bulk of South Africa’s judiciary has been doing the rounds on social media.
Screw Cyril Ramaphosa. He is a useless plastic president. He is out of touch with real issues pple are going thru
— Mastermind (@EFFOnlineSldier) September 10, 2019
But this list here is pure fart and defination of Fake news and Propaganda .An insane person would believe this list #CR17BankStatements https://t.co/xRZMT6VJ6q pic.twitter.com/zlLJWSYykB
In it, it is claimed that the judges, including Shamila Batohi, who is the NPA’s national director of public prosecutions, received their share of millions in the funds that were channelled to Ramaphosa’s presidential campaign.
The list was not accompanied by any form of context. It just listed judges such as Navi Pillay, Lettie Molopa-Sethosa and interestingly, Judge Sullet Potterill who presided over the matter between Ramaphosa and the Public Protector.
How much did Batohi allegedly receive from CR17 campaign?
While those listed in this controversial list have not offered a formal response to the allegations, Batohi, in a recent SABC interview, rubbished the rumours.
The leaked list claimed that Batohi was the recipient of R1.7-million. It is not stated what this was for but the purposeful omittance of such information leaves one to suggest that this was a fee allegedly paid to ‘purchase’ Batohi’s allegiance.
“Well, I’m not sure I should dignify that with a response actually,” Batohi said when she was asked to comment on the allegations.
“It is utter rubbish” – Batohi
She further went on to rubbish the claims, stating that there are clearly dark forces at play whose objective is to disrupt the clean-up operations that she and others implicated in wrongdoing have been working on.
“I don’t know why people do this and I don’t want to speculate about it and I will not be distracted by it. I think these are tactics to try to distract you from doing your work and this is the start of it. There is going to be a lot more and I realise I have to fortify myself against these attacks,” she exclaimed.
Batohi revealed that she knew exactly what she was getting herself into when she pursued the position. She remained footed on the fact that she, and others, will not be distracted by these shoddy tactics.
“When I was interviewed I said this is a shark tank and it seems like the attacks have started but this will not distract us from our important work,” she said.
