Hermione Cronje and Xolisile Khanyile have emerged as frontrunners in interviews to become South Africa’s next National Director of Public Prosecutions, with panel questioning focused on restoring credibility and prosecutorial effectiveness.

The race was jolted after Menzi Simelane told interviewers he had blocked a Bosasa-related prosecution during his time in government, citing mistrust of investigators, a disclosure that has intensified criticism of his candidacy.