WATCH | Nkabinde inquiry probes Chauke's fitness to hold office as DPP
Gauteng DPP Advocate Andrew Chauke Faces Formal Inquiry Over Serious Allegations
Image: Supplied
The formal inquiry into the fitness of Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Advocate Andrew Chauke began on Monday afternoon, with National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Shamila Batohi expected to testify as one of the first witnesses.
Advocate Chauke, who has held the position of Gauteng DPP since September 2011, was suspended by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July.
He remains on full pay while the inquiry, chaired by retired Justice Baaitse Nkabinde, investigates serious allegations against him.
Chauke is accused of receiving bribes and appears in recordings linked to the embattled Bosasa company, where the late CEO Gavin Watson allegedly planned to lobby for his appointment as NDPP in exchange for favours.
Advocates Elizabeth Baloyi-Mere and attorney Thenjiwe Vilakazi assist retired Justice Nkabinde with the inquiry.
Central to the investigation are allegations that Chauke refused to prosecute certain high-profile cases, raising concerns about his impartiality and commitment to justice.
During her appearance before a parliamentary ad hoc committee probing infiltration in the justice system, Batohi confirmed that a senior prosecutor had previously been suspended for failing to pursue prosecutions in essential cases.
“It is unacceptable and untenable for any member of NPA to be involved in organised crime.”
The inquiry will continue to examine the extent of Chauke’s alleged misconduct and its impact on the National Prosecuting Authority’s integrity and effectiveness.
The findings will be critical in determining whether Chauke is fit to continue in his role and will signal the NPA’s stance against corruption within its ranks.
thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za
IOL Politics