Nkabinde inquiry begins into Chauke’s fitness to serve as Gauteng DPP

A formal inquiry into the conduct of Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andrew Chauke kicked off on Monday, with National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi among the first expected to testify. Chauke, suspended with full pay since July, faces serious allegations including claims of bribe-taking, and recordings linking him to the late Bosasa boss Gavin Watson, who allegedly sought to lobby for Chauke’s appointment as NDPP. Chaired by retired Justice Baaitse Nkabinde and supported by Advocate Elizabeth Baloyi-Mere and attorney Thenjiwe Vilakazi, the

inquiry also centres on allegations that Chauke failed to prosecute key high-profile cases, raising questions about impartiality within the prosecuting authority. Batohi has previously told Parliament that at least one senior prosecutor had been suspended for failing to act on significant cases underscoring concerns about systemic interference in the justice system. Phemelo speaks to legal expert Mpumelelo Zikalala.