Sipho Jack | Published 4 hours ago
A high-stakes criminal case involving Zambian businessman and political figure Willah Mudolo has thrust South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) yet again into the spotlight, with allegations of misconduct levied against its senior prosecutors.
Legal correspondence seen by the Daily News highlighted significant concerns regarding the NPA's handling of complaints related to prosecutorial and possible judicial misconduct in this charged matter.
Allegations made against key officials named in legal documents include Advocate Nicolette Bell, Advocate Desire Rosenblatt, and Acting Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Advocate Marika Jansen Van Vuuren.
Documents produced by Matojane Malungana Attorneys, Mudolo's legal representatives, suggested that the NPA had inadequately addressed the serious complaints regarding the treatment of Mudolo, the alteration of another accused's status to that of a witness, alleged political interference, and other issues.
At the time of publication, the NPA's spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago, dismissed the allegations as "frivolous" and lacking merit.
In a response to the Daily News' questions, he said it was evident that Mudolo attempted to divert focus from the main trial.
“We will not dignify this with a blow-by-blow account," Kganyago said in emphasising that previous applications concerning the complaints were dismissed by the courts.
However, this raised more questions than answers when correspondence from the Legal Practice Council (LPC) suggested that Rosenblatt had failed to reply in the complaint raised by Mudolo.
The LPC's letter, seen by the Daily News, dated March 28, 2025, read: “We confirm that the legal practitioner has failed to furnish us with a reply to your complaint. Be advised that your complaint will be considered by the Investigating Committee. We will revert shortly with recommendations.
"We confirm that this matter will be referred to an Investigating Committee of the Gauteng Provincial Office of the Legal Practice Council, to consider, on the papers only, whether the legal practitioner has made himself/herself guilty of misconduct. If so, a meeting will be scheduled when both you and the legal practitioner will be called to either discuss, explain or elucidate the matter or, alternatively, the legal practitioner will be requested to answer to misconduct charges.
"Due to the number of matters that we deal with it may take some time for this matter to be considered by the committee. As soon as the matter has been considered we will notify you in writing of the recommendation of the committee.”
According to Mudolo’s attorneys, no correspondence has since been received.
Unpacking the allegations
Mudolo and others, including his wife, Zethu, and his company, Rising Estate, Landiwe Ntlokwana Sindani, Nomalarvasagie Reddy, Sateesh Isseri, and Stephanie Oliver, were scheduled to appear last month in the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, and the six accused face multiple charges, including racketeering, money laundering, and fraud, according to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
The charges relate to an alleged R102 million fraud, theft, and money laundering scheme through investments in companies linked to Bushiri's Enlightened Christian Gathering’s church operations.
At the core of the controversies was the manner in which the NPA responded to complaints of alleged prosecutorial misconduct.
Andy Mothibi, the National Director of Public Prosecutions, had delegated the review of certain representations concerning Mudolo's arrest to Advocate Bell, a move that now faces scrutiny for its perceived lack of independence.
The Mudolo's family lawyers contend that the NPA's response failed to engage with the essential elements of their case, and relied on external information without allowing the defence a fair opportunity to present its argument.
The defence argued that there was no credible evidence implicating Mudolo in criminal activities and questioned the rationale behind his continued prosecution.
Comparisons have been drawn between his situation and that of Landiwe Ntlokwana , who was exonerated through a section 204 witness status despite allegations of being heavily implicated as a central figure in the related operations.
This has also raised further questions about perceived selectivity in the justice system.
Advocate Rosenblatt is also under scrutiny not only for her role as a prosecutor but also due to allegations regarding the mishandling of court processes and contradictory statements made during proceedings.
A criminal complaint was reportedly opened against her on perjury allegations, which were yet to be verified.
The Daily News has sent detailed questions to Rosenblatt who did not not respond at the time of publication.
Allegations of interference and advocacy
Another layer to the case involved allegations against Acting DPP Advocate Marika Jansen Van Vuuren regarding her communications wi…
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