Johannesburg – The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for KwaZulu-Natal, Advocate Elaine Harrison, has been cleared of any wrongdoing after an investigation into allegations that she had been “captured” by a businessman.
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, on Friday, 28 November 2025, announced that she had received a report from the Office for Ethics and Accountability (OEA), which cleared DPP Advocate Harrison of any wrongdoing in relation to allegations that she had been “captured” by a private businessman.
Minister Kubayi stated that this report will be submitted to President Cyril Ramaphosa.
She explained that under Regulation 17 of the OEA Regulations, any complaint lodged against a National Director or Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions must be reported to the Minister for referral to the President.
The President may deal with the matter in accordance with Section 12 (6) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act 32 of 1998.
The matter was investigated after the OEA, an internal integrity unit within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), received an anonymous complaint alleging improper interactions between Advocate Harrison and a private businessman.
The complaint claimed that the individual had visited the DPP’s office without following security protocols and further alleged that Advocate Harrison met with him while she was on sick leave.
These allegations were subsequently repeated in media reports published in March and April 2025.
In line with Regulation 17, the OEA submitted the matter to the Justice Minister for referral to the President.
Minister Kubayi said she has informed the President of the complaint and the OEA’s findings, which cleared Advocate Harrison of any wrongdoing.
The minister said there was no evidence indicating misconduct, incapacity, or unfitness for office.
“The investigation found no factual basis for the allegations, concluding that the businessman in question never visited the DPP’s offices, as confirmed by access records and security personnel,” said Minister Kubayi.
“Cellphone records and supporting documentation further verified that Advocate Harrison was in Empangeni on the day she was alleged to have met him.
“The businessman denied knowing or ever meeting Advocate Harrison, and the DPP’s staff also confirmed that no interaction took place.”
In another matter, in which Advocate Naidoo faced related accusations, the evidence was also found to be unsubstantiated.
“The OEA therefore concluded that the allegations were baseless and unsupported by any factual evidence,” said Minister Kubayi.
