The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed a Pretoria North Magistrates’ Court decision to deny bail to one of its senior prosecutors facing multiple charges related to gender-based violence.
Adv Lucas Motshabi, a senior state prosecutor at the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) in Kimberley, stands accused of contravening a protection order, malicious damage to property, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana confirmed the details of the case, revealing a troubling sequence of events involving the prosecutor and his estranged wife.
Protection order contravened
“Adv Lucas Motshabi, a senior state prosecutor at Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) in the Kimberley, is facing charges of contravention of a protection order, malicious damage to property, and assault with grievous bodily harm,” Mahanjana said.
She explained that Motshabi’s wife had obtained a protection order against him in November last year.
Both parties subsequently opened criminal cases against each other, resulting in their arrest and release on bail. Those matters were postponed to February 2026, when the couple withdrew the charges against each other through mediation.
Wife assaulted
“However, on 21 February 2026, few days after the withdrawal of the charges, it is alleged that the accused went unannounced to the residence previously shared by the couple in Pretoria North, despite bail conditions prohibiting his return.
“An argument ensued between the two, during which the accused allegedly assaulted the complainant, removed children’s clothing from a wardrobe in the presence of a minor child, damaged the motor gate, deflated all four tyres of the complainant’s vehicle, and left the scene.
“The complainant reported the matter to the police,” Mahanjana said.
Motshabi handed himself over to the police on March 3 following the incident.
NPA condemns ‘misconduct’
The National Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv Andy Mothibi, strongly condemned any form of violence within the organisation’s ranks and reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to upholding the highest standards.
“The NPA holds all its officials to the highest ethical and professional standards. Any deviation from this conduct will be met with appropriate consequences, and the law will take its course,” Mothibi said.
Mahanjana added that the NPA remains resolute in its fight against all forms of criminality, including domestic violence.
“The NPA remains resolute in its mandate to act decisively against all forms of criminality, including domestic violence, and to ensure accountability within its own ranks,” she said.
The case has been postponed to 7 May for further proceedings.
- A Pretoria North Magistrates’ Court denied bail to Adv Lucas Motshabi, a senior prosecutor accused of contravening a protection order, malicious damage to property, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
- Motshabi’s estranged wife had a protection order against him since November last year, and both had previously opened criminal cases against each other, which were withdrawn after mediation.
- On February 21, 2026, Motshabi allegedly assaulted his wife, damaged property at their former shared residence, and violated bail conditions prohibiting his return.
- The NPA condemned the prosecutor’s alleged misconduct, emphasizing its commitment to high ethical standards and fighting all forms of criminality, including domestic violence.
- The case was postponed for further proceedings to May 7, and Motshabi voluntarily surrendered to the police on March 3.
