National Prosecuting Authority

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The National Prosecuting Authority is an organ of the South African State which is reponsible for the institution and conduct criminal proceedings on behalf of the state, including all incidental functions to such proceedings. It also has the power to discontinue criminal proceedings.

The Authority is prescribed by Chapter 8 of the Constitution and came into being with the passing of the National Prosecuting Authority Act (Act 32 of 1998).

[edit] National Director of Public Prosecutions

The National Director of Public Prosecutions heads the Authority and exercises general control over the conduct of prosecutions in South Africa. The current NDPP is Advocate Vusumzi Patrick Pikoli, whilst the first was Bulelani Thandabantu Ngcuka.

[edit] Directors of Public Prosecution

In terms of the Act every seat of the High Court is served by a Director of Public Prosecutions who acts as the prosecuting authority for that Courts area of jurisdiction. This office has replaced the previous system of Attorney-Generals for each province (and every Attorney-General holding office became a DPP)

[edit] External links

• NPA website

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