Finding a public protector with a pedigree that matches that of incumbent Thuli Madonsela is going to be a huge mission for the parliamentary ad hoc committee chaired by ANC activist Makhosi Khoza.

During her seven-year term, Madonsela won the hearts of many South Africans - including those who opposed her appointment - by diligently doing her job without fear or favour. She didn't shirk her responsibility, especially when it came to dealing with cases involving those in power.Khoza and her team have gone through the list of more than 70 nominated South Africans and trimmed it to 14 names.One of those is former head of the Asset Forfeiture Unit Willie Hofmeyr.story_article_left1It has now emerged that Hofmeyr is under investigation by the National Prosecuting Authority - his employer - over his conduct during his tenure as head of the AFU.There are allegations that his actions had led to the NPA paying over R50-million to a curator for the upkeep of assets that had been seized from a suspect, even after the NPA had failed to get a conviction.It is common knowledge that Hofmeyr and his boss, national director of public prosecutions Shaun Abrahams, belong to opposing factions at the NPA.This year he filed an affidavit challenging a decision by Abrahams's deputy, Nomgcobo Jiba, to drop charges against former crime intelligence boss Richard Mdluli. He also resisted his removal as head of the AFU.Authorities have a right to investigate any claims of wrongdoing on the part of Hofmeyr. But they must do so in a fair and transparent manner, one that does not leave the public wondering if the probe has anything to do with trying to influence who Madonsela's successor should be...