Ramaphosa orders inquiry into Advocate Andrew Chauke’s fitness to hold office
President Cyril Ramaphosa has established an official inquiry into the fitness of Advocate Andrew Chauke to hold office as Director of Public Prosecutions, following serious allegations about his conduct.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed on Monday that the inquiry was initiated in terms of section 12(6)(a) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Act of 1998.
In July, IOL previously reported that Ramaphosa had suspended South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv Andrew Chauke, with immediate effect, following allegations that threaten the credibility of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and his questionable conduct in office.
Calls for his suspension began in August 2023, when National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi formally recommended that he be placed on precautionary suspension, citing concerns over his judgment and potential misconduct in several cases.
“The inquiry will look into certain serious allegations regarding Adv Chauke’s fitness and propriety to hold office as a Director of Public Prosecutions and as a member of the National Prosecuting Authority,” Magwenya said.
Chauke, who has served as Director of Public Prosecutions since 1 September 2011, was suspended with full pay effective from 20 July 2025, pending the outcome of the inquiry.
Ramaphosa has appointed retired Justice Baaitse Elizabeth (Bess) Nkabinde to chair the inquiry. She will be joined by Advocate Elizabeth Baloyi-Mere SC and attorney Thenjiwe Vilakazi.
Magwenya said the process will be guided by constitutional principles, the NPA Act, and the rules of natural justice, ensuring that the inquiry is conducted “fairly and impartially”.
“In consultation with the Minister of Justice, the inquiry Chairperson will determine the seat of the inquiry as well as the rules of procedure,” Magwenya said.
Once the proceedings are concluded, the Chairperson will submit a report to the President said Magwenya.
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