The Constitution, 1996, stipulates that all citizens have a right to enjoy a better quality of life ... free from fear and free from crime. To give effect to this right, and as a key partner in the South African criminal justice system, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) plays a critical role in ensuring that perpetrators of crime are investigated, charged and held responsible for their criminal actions. The aim of this article is to explore the inception and authority of the NPA, with special reference to its investigation unit known as the Directorate of Special Operations, or Scorpions, whose existence is now being challenged.