The Justice and Constitutional Development Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, used her keynote address at the National Prosecuting Authority’s Senior Management Conference held in Johannesburg to position its systems to be able to respond to rapid changes in technology including artificial intelligence (AI).
The minister highlighted the extent to which AI is reshaping the criminal landscape, referencing AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and automated financial crimes.
Kubayi justified her plea by reflecting on the 2024 Internet Watch Foundation report which flagged the rise of AI-generated CSAM, and the risks posed by AI-driven tools, including synthetic ID generators and automated cryptocurrency systems.
Kubayi is also adamant that skilling and training prosecutors in AI related crimes will improve case management and increase conviction rates.
“Last week when I had a meeting with the German Ambassador, I was pleased to hear that some of you have started training on AI technologies and the implications for the Justice system.
Indeed, the NPA must ensure that its personnel develop capabilities in these new areas so that we can still be able to deliver justice for the victims,” Kubayi reiterated.
In addition to pledging the department’s support to the NPA, the minister encouraged collaboration between Prosecutors and court administrators to ensure that investigations comply with the rules to avert the abuse of judiciary processes.
This conference comes as the public’s trust in the NPA hangs on the balance.
Numerous calls were made by different organisations for the entity’s head, Advocate Shamila Batohi to vacate office, due to various NPA failures, including losing or having high profile cases struck off the roll.
Despite this, Kubayi concluded her address by challenging the NPA to be an example of an ethical and capable state that South Africa already is.
