NPA probes harassment allegations against Garth Hulley SC

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is looking into allegations of harassment, intimidation and threats of sexual violence involving senior advocate Garth Hulley SC, following the granting of an interim protection order by the Randburg Magistrates' Court.

The allegations involve Hulley, a member of the Johannesburg Society of Advocates, who has been accused of persistent harassment, unwanted advances, intimidation and threats against a woman whose identity has not been disclosed.

The NPA's Gauteng Division, Johannesburg, said its Sexual Offences and Community Affairs (SOCA) Unit was assessing the matter to determine what support and assistance the complainant required.

NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the South African Police Service (SAPS) was responsible for investigating the allegations, while People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA) would provide victim-support services.

"The SOCA Unit is assessing the circumstances of the matter to establish the complainant's needs and identify appropriate victim-support interventions," Kganyago said.

He said the NPA took allegations of gender-based violence, harassment and intimidation seriously and was committed to ensuring that victims received the necessary support and guidance.

"The NPA takes allegations of gender-based violence, harassment and intimidation seriously. As an institution mandated to uphold the rule of law, the NPA deals with all matters without fear, favour or prejudice, guided by the principles of fairness, impartiality and the pursuit of justice," he said.

The NPA's intervention comes as South Africa prepares to observe the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, which highlights the need to address gender-based violence and protect vulnerable people.

The authority said it remained committed to ensuring that victims were treated with dignity and received assistance through the relevant support structures.