Suspended Joburg DPP Andrew Chauke to call on legal heavyweights, former NPA officials as part of his defence

The suspended Johannesburg director of public prosecutions (DPP), Andrew Chauke, has announced plans to call on legal heavyweights and former National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) officials as part of his defence team.

An inquiry into Chauke’s fitness to hold office is currently underway in Pretoria. President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Chauke on suspension amid serious allegations, including the alleged quashing of prosecutions against politically connected individuals.

Chauke’s lawyers informed the inquiry that the main accusation against him centres on how he exercised his prosecutorial discretion in specific cases.

Speaking on Chauke’s behalf, Advocate Temeka Ngcukaitobi stated that they plan to call former State Prosecutor, Advocate Gerrie Nel, to testify on the work of prosecutors.

"Mr Gerrie Nel will explain what impact there is on the ability of prosecutors to make decisions. They must make robust decisions — in difficult environments with uncertain facts."

Chauke also intends to call former national director of public prosecutions (NDPP), Mxolisi Nxasana, and prominent lawyer, Advocate Laurence Hodes, who represented the NPA.

These witnesses are expected to testify on the decision to prosecute former KwaZulu-Natal Hawks boss, Johan Booysen, for racketeering — a decision for which Chauke has faced criticism.