[2][3] The NDPP is supported by a chief executive officer, a position which was filled by Marion Sparg from 2000 to 2007, and by four Deputy National Directors of Public Prosecutions.

The Scorpions, launched on 1 September 1999 and controversially disbanded in July 2009, was also an elite unit which investigated organised crime and pursued politically sensitive cases.

It is currently working with the Zondo Commission on prominent cases relating to state capture, and since its establishment has been led by Hermione Cronje, who tendered her resignation on 30 November 2021.

Once forfeited, these assets are realised and are utilised to compensate the victims of crime and/or are ploughed back into law enforcement.

The Sexual Offences and Community Affairs (SOCA) unit was established in October 1999 to combat gender-based violence against women and children.

It also coordinates the network of Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs), which employ a multi-disciplinary approach to deal with victims of rape in South Africa.

Two of the three permanent appointments made by Jacob Zuma during his presidency were later invalidated by the Constitutional Court, and two other incumbents were subjected to official inquiries, instituted under Section 12(6) of the National Prosecuting Act of 1998, into their fitness to hold the office.

[19] The last two years of his tenure were mired in political scandal, following the NPA's announcement in late 2002 that its Scorpions unit was investigating Zuma, then Deputy President, for corruption related to the Arms Deal.

[25] However, in May 2004, following a complaint laid by Zuma, the Public Protector Lawrence Mushwana released a report which found that Ngcuka's statement to the media in August 2003 had been "unfair and improper."

A highly public spat ensued between Ngcuka and Mushwana, sometimes also involving former Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Penuell Maduna.

Mbeki established a Section 12(6) commission of inquiry, headed by Frene Ginwala, to determine Pikoli's fitness for the office of NDPP.

[41][40] Pikoli was replaced by Mokotedi Mpshe,[42][43] who, though appointed only in an acting capacity, is one of the longest-serving NDPPs in the NPA's history.

[58] The "spy tapes" were secretly recorded telephone conversations between Ngcuka, who was the former NDPP, and Leonard McCarthy, who was the former head of the Scorpions unit, which had investigated Zuma for corruption relating to the Arms Deal.

[59] The recordings were made by the National Intelligence Agency and the Organised Crime Unit of the South African Police Service.