No bail for senior NPA prosecutor accused of attacking wife

A senior prosecutor with the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA’s) Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) has been denied bail after allegedly violating a protection order and attacking his wife in Pretoria North.

Bail Denied for Prosecutor Accused of Assaulting Wife

Lucas Motshabi, 42, was denied bail by the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court on domestic violence-related charges. Motshabi works with the AFU in the Kimberley office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The NPA welcomed the court’s ruling, stating it underscores the authority’s firm stance against domestic violence, regardless of the accused’s position. Regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the decision affirms the NPA’s commitment to protecting victims and upholding the rule of law.

Motshabi is charged with contravening a protection order, malicious damage to property, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. His wife had obtained a protection order against him in November 2025.

Couple Arrested in December but Withdrew Charges

In December 2025, both Motshabi and his wife opened criminal cases against each other, leading to their arrest and subsequent release on bail. The matters were postponed to February 2026, at which time both parties withdrew the charges through mediation.

However, on February 21, 2026, Motshabi allegedly went unannounced to the couple’s former residence in Pretoria North, violating his bail conditions. An argument ensued, during which he allegedly assaulted his wife, removed children’s clothing from a wardrobe in front of a minor child, damaged the gate motor, and deflated the tires of her vehicle before leaving the scene.

The wife reported the incident to police, and Motshabi handed himself over to authorities on March 3, where he was arrested. During his bail application, prosecutor advocate Tumelo Letaoana opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the offenses, the violation of the protection order, and the wife’s fear for her life.

Bail Denied

Letaoana also argued that Motshabi posed a flight risk, as he had concealed his Kimberley address. The court agreed with the state’s submissions and denied bail.

National director of Public Prosecutions Andy Mothibi stated the NPA remains committed to ensuring accountability within its ranks and will take decisive action against criminality, including domestic violence. He emphasized that all NPA officials are held to the highest ethical and professional standards.

The matter has been postponed to May 7, 2026, for regional court screening.