Shamila Batohi to support claims against Johannesburg prosecutions boss Andrew Chauke at fitness inquiry

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head advocate Shamila Batohi is set to back her allegations against Johannesburg prosecutions boss Andrew Chauke at the inquiry into his fitness to hold office.

The hearings were established by President Cyril Ramaphosa after he suspended Chauke amid serious allegations.

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Chauke is accused of quashing the prosecution of politically connected individuals and making questionable prosecutorial decisions.

The inquiry of Chauke’s fitness to hold office as director of public prosecutions (DPP) in Johannesburg was prompted by Batohi’ complaint in 2023

Batohi will be the first witness to testify during Tuesday morning’s sitting, where she is expected to be critical of Chauke’s prosecutorial decisions.

This is particularly on his role in the prosecution of former KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head with baseless racketeering charges and his decision not to prosecute former Crime Intelligence head Richard Mdluli.

On Monday, the commission heard that Batohi has requested to testify without any pauses or interruptions in the testimony to which the chair, retired Justice Bess Nkabinde, responded.

“It is not for advocate Batohi to decide how we are going to proceed in this enquiry. When she is called to testify, she will come and testify and should come to testify. What will then happen at the end of her testimony will be decided at that stage”

Once she has read her statement, Batohi will be cross examined by Chauke’s lawyers, led by advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi.

President suspends South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, Andrew Chauke

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