The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is the national prosecuting authority of South Africa. It was established in 1995, succeeding the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development as the prosecuting authority for South Africa.
The NPA’s main responsibilities are to prosecute criminal cases brought to it by the police and to provide legal representation for the Government of South Africa in civil matters.
What is the role of the National Prosecuting Authority in South Africa?
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is a government agency that is involved in the prosecution of crime and the administration of criminal justice.
The NPA investigates and prosecutes crimes by taking instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) regarding which cases should be prosecuted. The NPA also determines whether a case should be prosecuted in the High Court, Magistrate’s Court or lower courts.
The NPA also has an important role in administering criminal justice. This includes providing legal advice to law enforcement agencies, managing facilities where people are detained before trial or awaiting a sentence, and carrying out community service sentences as directed by a court.
Who is the current head of the NPA in South Africa?
Karen van Rensburg is the current head of the National Prosecuting Authority in South Africa. She is also a former Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions.
