National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi will provide initial testimony at an inquiry examining whether suspended Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions Andrew Chauke remains suitable for his position. The proceedings began in Pretoria under retired Constitutional Court Justice Bess Nkabinde after President Cyril Ramaphosa suspended Chauke with full pay following recommendations that Batohi submitted more than two years earlier.
Chauke faces allegations spanning his tenure since 2011, including declining to prosecute former police crime intelligence boss Richard Mdluli for murder despite sufficient evidence, pursuing racketeering charges against former KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Johan Booysen without adequate proof, and appearing in recorded conversations linked to Bosasa regarding potential favors. Justice Nkabinde rejected Batohi's request for uninterrupted testimony, asserting the panel would determine procedural matters.
The inquiry panel includes Elizabeth Baloyi-Mere and Matshego Ramagaga, with hearings expected to continue for up to four months before submitting findings to the president. Chauke's defense team, led by advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, will present opening statements before Batohi's testimony proceeds.
Chauke faces allegations spanning his tenure since 2011, including declining to prosecute former police crime intelligence boss Richard Mdluli for murder despite sufficient evidence, pursuing racketeering charges against former KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Johan Booysen without adequate proof, and appearing in recorded conversations linked to Bosasa regarding potential favors. Justice Nkabinde rejected Batohi's request for uninterrupted testimony, asserting the panel would determine procedural matters.
The inquiry panel includes Elizabeth Baloyi-Mere and Matshego Ramagaga, with hearings expected to continue for up to four months before submitting findings to the president. Chauke's defense team, led by advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, will present opening statements before Batohi's testimony proceeds.
