A former top prosecutor just walked out of a hearing and got denied her own lawyer. Shamila Batohi left an inquiry into suspended Gauteng prosecutions head Andrew Chauke, arguing the process was compromised. She later requested state-funded independent legal counsel, but Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi shot down that request. Batohi must use National Prosecuting Authority lawyers instead.
Batohi stepped away after the inquiry panel refused to adjust its terms of reference. Her departure hampers an examination of Chauke's fitness for office, which stems from concerns over his case management. The minister's decision emphasizes using existing resources and avoids creating a precedent for private state funding.
Chauke remains on suspension with full pay pending the inquiry's outcome. He faces scrutiny over prosecutorial decisions alleged to show poor judgment. Batohi, as the former national director, possessed key oversight knowledge relevant to the probe.
Committee leadership criticized Batohi's exit as disruptive to the necessary process. The situation raises public concerns about procedural fairness within justice system accountability measures. How the inquiry proceeds without her full participation remains an open question.
Batohi stepped away after the inquiry panel refused to adjust its terms of reference. Her departure hampers an examination of Chauke's fitness for office, which stems from concerns over his case management. The minister's decision emphasizes using existing resources and avoids creating a precedent for private state funding.
Chauke remains on suspension with full pay pending the inquiry's outcome. He faces scrutiny over prosecutorial decisions alleged to show poor judgment. Batohi, as the former national director, possessed key oversight knowledge relevant to the probe.
Committee leadership criticized Batohi's exit as disruptive to the necessary process. The situation raises public concerns about procedural fairness within justice system accountability measures. How the inquiry proceeds without her full participation remains an open question.
