Adv Batohi ditches Nkabinde Enquiry without notice. "I decided that i was not going to come back"

Shamila Batohi, the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), caused significant controversy at the Nkabinde Inquiry when she temporarily left the proceedings without formal notification, citing the "emotional" stress and "misconduct" she was subjected to during cross-examination.

Adv Batohi ditches Nkabinde Enquiry without notice. Then comes back. "I decided that i was not going to come back" Adv Batohi "You are leaving without approaching us with a request" Justice Nkabinde. "This inquiry is at your instance" Batohi is reminded. "because of what i have been subjected to, it was my decision to leave, i am not walking out" she says

The incident unfolded as follows:

The Departure: After a lunch break during cross-examination by Adv. Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, Batohi did not immediately return to the stand.
The Confrontation: When she eventually returned, she was confronted by Justice Bess Nkabinde, the panel chairperson, about her absence.
Batohi's Defense: Batohi stated, "I decided that I was not going to come back... because of what I have been subjected to, it was my decision to leave, I am not walking out." She cited the intense cross-examination style and allegations made against her, which she felt constituted "misconduct" and made it difficult for her to continue.
Justice Nkabinde's Response: Justice Nkabinde strongly rebuked Batohi for the procedural breach: "You are leaving without approaching us with a request," she said, emphasizing that Batohi should have sought formal permission from the panel chairperson before departing.
Reminder of the Stakes: Batohi was also reminded by the panel that "this inquiry is at your instance"—meaning that the allegations being investigated were primarily brought forward by the NPA under her leadership or related to the conduct of her office, reinforcing her obligation to cooperate fully with the process.

This unplanned departure was viewed by some as an act of defiance and exacerbated the already tense relationship between Batohi and the inquiry's panel and legal teams, further impacting her perceived credibility and professionalism. The panel allowed the proceedings to continue after she returned, but the incident became a notable point of contention in the inquiry.

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