Embattled National Prosecution Authority boss Mxolisi Nxasana believes the media is trying to tarnish his image with reports of alleged misconduct, the Sunday Times reported.

"At this stage I elect to exercise my right to remain silent," he was quoted saying.

"I cannot give you an audience because I cannot trust that you wont distort the facts about the issue."

Nxasana was reportedly accused of nepotism and not revealing prior to his appointment that he was convicted twice for assault, charged with murder but acquitted.

The paper reported that he had also faced other cases including serious traffic offences and resisting arrest.

According to the report, President Jacob Zuma's legal adviser Micheal Hulley had recommended Nxasana to the then justice minister Jeff Radebe.

On Friday the SABC reported that new Justice Minister Michael Masutha had requested a meeting with Zuma to discuss Nxasana.

"I sought urgent audience with the office of the president," he told the public broadcaster.

Nxasana, of the KwaZulu-Natal division of the high court, was appointed by Zuma in October 2013.

The Star reported on Friday that former justice minister Jeff Radebe instructed him to resign, just a few days before Zuma announced his new Cabinet but he would not.

Radebe allegedly claimed that Nxasana had not been given a security clearance because of past brushes with the law.