Public Interest SA formally withdrew its prior public statement and apologised to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) on 6 April 2026, after it confirmed that Musa Khawula was not in detention but at large following his failure to appear in court, correcting earlier claims of official inaction.

Timeline Of Statements And Apologies

On 16 March 2026, Public Interest SA had issued a media statement criticising the NPA for not engaging with their representations regarding the Musa Khawula matter. Subsequently, after verifying Khawula’s actual status, the organisation retracted its position and issued an apology.

Tebogo Khaas, representing Public Interest SA, stated, “We extend our sincere and unreserved apology to the National Prosecuting Authority for any mischaracterisation or inconvenience occasioned.” This public withdrawal was disclosed in a follow-up release by the organisation.

Wider Context: Leadership, Legal Disputes, And Public Accountability

Public Interest SA previously opposed Advocate Andrea S. Johnson’s appointment as National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) in December 2025, citing ethical and governance concerns in their formal submissions. During the same period, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi received a letter from the Democratic Alliance threatening to interdict the NDPP interview process, which Kubayi described as without merit as no shortlist had been finalised at that time.

Justice Minister Kubayi has also recently apologised to UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese after a South African sheriff attempted to serve U.S. federal lawsuit papers to her. This action was described as an ‘irregular service of process,’ with the Minister withdrawing the attempt and extending an unconditional apology, according to her department’s statement.

Public Interest SA’s latest retraction highlights the importance of verifying information in matters of public accountability within South Africa’s justice system, especially regarding prosecutorial conduct and institutional transparency.

The organisation has indicated it will continue to pursue public interest advocacy. Further developments in the Musa Khawula case or future engagements with the NPA are expected to be publicly communicated.