President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Advocates Ouma Rasethaba and Rodney de Kock as Deputy National Directors of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) with effect from June 1.

Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga has also been appointed Special Director of Public Prosecutions.

The appointments come following consultations between the President, Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Ronald Lamola and National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Shamila Batohi.

“These appointments are essential for the efficient functioning and rebuilding of the NPA [National Prosecuting Authority] as part of the fight against crime and corruption and as a contribution to deepening the capability of the state,” said the Presidency in a statement.

Rasethaba has at least 30 years of legal experience and is a Governance and Risk Expert.

She is also certified as a trainer, coach, teacher and public speaker and has trained as a negotiator, mediator and arbitrator.

De Kock has been a Director of Public Prosecutions for 15 years and has 32 years of relevant legal experience.

Mhaga, who has worked at the NPA in various roles, has 17 years' experience covering State Advocacy, Specialised Investigations, High Court, Regional Court and District Court Prosecution, Media Liaison and Part Time Law Lecturing.

He will advise the National Director, provide strategic inputs and manage the relationship between the Office of the National Director and NPA stakeholders.