National Prosecuting Authority
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The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act No. 108 of 1996), created a single National Prosecution Authority (the "NPA"), which is governed by the National Prosecuting Authority Act (Act No. 32 of 1998). The Constitution, read with this Act, provides the NPA with the power to institute criminal proceedings on behalf of the State, to carry out any necessary functions incidental to institution of criminal proceedings and to discontinue criminal proceedings.
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[edit] The Structure of the NPA
On a national level, the NPA is headed by the National Director of Public Prosecutions (the "NDPP"). The current NDPP is Mokotedi Mpshe, who is the successor of Bulelani Thandabantu Ngcuka and Vusumzi Patrick Pikoli.
The NDPP is supported by Chief Executive Officer, a position which was filled by Marion Sparg from 2000 to 2007, and by four Deputy National Directors.
Directors of Public Prosecutions further support the office of the NDPP. Every seat of the High Court of South Africa is served by a Director of Public Prosecutions (a "DPP"), who acts as the prosecution authority for such Court's jurisdictional area.
Further support comes from Special Directors and Investigating Directors.
[edit] Business Units of the NPA
The National Prosecuting Authority comprises various core business units:-
The National Prosecution Service ("NPS") is composed of the various DPP offices (and their subordinates) and are responsible for the day to day criminal prosecutions. State Advocates (attached to the office of the DPP) prosecute matters in the Superior Courts, whilst Public Prosecutors (attached to various Magistrate's Courts), prosecute matters in the Lower Courts.
The Directorate of Special Operations ("DSO" or Scorpions) was launch