President Cyril Ramaphosa has dropped his predecessor Jacob Zuma’s legal battle to protect controversial prosecutions heavyweights Nomgcobo Jiba and Lawrence Mrwebi — and told both that he intends to launch inquiries into their fitness to hold office. The president has also indicated that he is awaiting the outcome of a Constitutional Court ruling on whether National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head Shaun Abrahams was validly appointed before deciding on his continued leadership. That ruling is expected in the coming weeks.

These steps are seen as the first of several major executive interventions expected at the NPA. Ramaphosa stated within days of taking up office that tackling "leadership issues" at the NPA was one of his priorities as president. Jiba and Mrwebi have until August 10 to provide reasons why they should not be suspended, pending inquiries related to multiple court rulings against them. Both came under fire for their handling of cases involving former president...

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