MK Party Launches Urgent Pretoria High Court Bid to Block Shamila Batohi Pension Payouts Amid Misconduct Claims

The MK Party files in Pretoria High Court to block Shamila Batohi's pension. Explore the legal arguments regarding the Nkabinde Inquiry and state fund protection.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 25, 2026, 4:03 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from IOL News

The Legal Offensive Against Former Prosecutions Head

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party, under the leadership of former President Jacob Zuma, has initiated an aggressive legal maneuver to prevent the disbursement of public funds to Advocate Shamila Batohi. This urgent application, filed in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, seeks a definitive halt to all pension and post-tenure benefits typically afforded to a departing National Director of Public Prosecutions. According to spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela, the movement is rooted in the belief that these payments would constitute an unlawful use of taxpayer money. The party contends that the current administrative transition allows for a window where these funds might be irretrievably lost if the court does not intervene immediately to maintain the status quo.

A Requested Inquiry and a Sudden Departure

The friction at the heart of this litigation traces back to the Nkabinde Inquiry, a body established by President Cyril Ramaphosa following a formal request from Batohi herself to scrutinize the fitness of Andrew Chauke. While Batohi served as a primary witness in the investigation into the Johannesburg prosecutions head, her participation ended abruptly and under a cloud of scrutiny. During a session in December, Batohi reportedly exited the proceedings while still under oath and in the midst of a cross-examination. This specific act of departure has become the focal point for the MK Party, which argues that such conduct represents a fundamental breach of professional and legal accountability.

Administrative Respondents and Governmental Pushback

The court challenge names several high ranking officials as respondents, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, the National Prosecuting Authority, and Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi. While the Presidency has declined to offer detailed commentary on the ongoing litigation, the Department of Justice has signaled its intent to formally oppose the MK Party’s application. Department spokesperson Terrence Manase indicated that since the matter is now sub judice, the government will reserve its arguments for the courtroom. This collective resistance suggests a significant legal battle ahead regarding the executive's authority to process standard employment benefits for constitutional office bearers in the face of political opposition.