Shaun Abrahams facts for kids

Shaun Abrahams is a South African lawyer. He used to be the head of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). This important job is called the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP). The NPA is like a big legal team that decides if people should go to court for breaking the law.

Early Life

Shaun Abrahams was born in a town called Piketberg in the Cape. His dad worked in building, and his mom was a teacher. He went to school in Pietermaritzburg.

His Career as a Lawyer

Before becoming the NDPP in 2015, Shaun Abrahams was a senior lawyer. He worked in a special unit that handled serious crimes. When the previous NDPP, Mxolisi Nxasana, left his job, Shaun Abrahams was chosen to take over. Some people wondered why he was chosen over other more experienced lawyers.

Shaun Abrahams started working at the NPA as an office clerk. At the same time, he was studying law part-time. He earned several law degrees from the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg.

Challenges to His Appointment

Shaun Abrahams' appointment as NDPP faced legal challenges. A group called Freedom Under Law questioned if he was appointed correctly. In December 2017, a court ruled that his appointment was not done properly. The court also said that President Jacob Zuma could not choose the next NDPP. Instead, the Deputy President, Cyril Ramaphosa, had to choose someone new within 60 days.

The NPA appealed this decision. However, in August 2018, the highest court in South Africa, the Constitutional Court, made a final decision. It ordered Shaun Abrahams to leave his position as NDPP. The court also ordered President Cyril Ramaphosa to appoint a new NDPP within 90 days.

Shaun Abrahams reportedly retired from the NPA with benefits. He said he would continue to work in the legal field.

Who Came After Him?

After Shaun Abrahams left, Silas Ramaite took over as acting NDPP for a short time. Then, Shamila Batohi was appointed as the new NDPP on December 4, 2018. She officially started her job in February 2019.