S Africa's new chief prosecutor pledges end of impunity

South Africa's new chief prosecutor vowed Friday to fight political interference and corruption as she took office after years of scandal that have dogged the country's legal system.

Respected lawyer Shamila Batohi was appointed as head of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) by President Cyril Ramaphosa after her predecessor was accused of improperly protecting former president Jacob Zuma.

Batohi told reporters that she took over the NPA "at a time of crisis, not only for the organisation, but for the rule of law in South Africa."