Public Interest SA Withdraws Statement on Musa Khawula Matter and Apologises to the NPA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Johannesburg, South Africa. Monday, 6 April 2026 — Public Interest SA hereby formally withdraws its media statement titled Public Interest SA laments NPA’s refusal to engage legitimate public-interest concerns in the Musa Khawula matter, issued on 16 March 2026.

The statement was premised on the understanding — formed in part by testimony presented at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry — that Mr Musa Khawula was in detention and may have been subjected to unlawful or inhumane treatment, potentially arising from abuse of power within the criminal justice system.

Subsequent verification of the facts, including engagement with official correspondence and relevant authorities, has established that Mr Khawula is not in detention. Rather, he is currently at large following his failure to appear in court, and is being sought by law enforcement agencies.

In light of this material correction, the basis upon which our earlier statement and representations were made no longer stands. Public Interest SA therefore withdraws its statement in full.

We extend our sincere and unreserved apology to the National Prosecuting Authority for any mischaracterisation or inconvenience occasioned. While our intervention was made in good faith and in pursuit of legitimate public-interest concerns regarding prosecutorial accountability, we acknowledge that our assessment was not sufficiently grounded in verified facts.

Public Interest SA reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the rule of law, due process, and the integrity of South Africa’s criminal justice system. These principles require not only vigilance against abuse of power, but also responsibility and accuracy in public commentary.

We accordingly call on Mr Khawula to comply fully with lawful directives and to present himself before the court to answer to the charges against him.

Kindly note that this statement has been issued at our own instance, in good faith, and in support of law enforcement agencies and the advance of the rule of law.

We will take steps to strengthen our internal due diligence processes to ensure that future interventions are informed by verified and complete information.

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Media enquiries: Tebogo Khaas, Chairperson, Public Interest SA