Inquiry into Andrew Chauke's fitness to hold office extended to June

The inquiry into Johannesburg prosecutions boss Andrew Chauke will now have until June to complete its work after President Cyril Ramaphosa granted the request for an extension.

The inquiry, headed by retired Justice Bess Nkabinde, is investigating Chauke’s fitness to hold office.

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This is after outgoing prosecutions head Shamila Batohi lodged a complaint against him over prosecutorial decisions he made that she believes were politically motivated.

It’s been four months since Ramaphosa established the Nkabinde inquiry to investigate Chauke’s fitness to hold office.

But since then, the inquiry has only heard testimony from the main complainant, Batohi, who abandoned her testimony in December when her cross-examination by Chauke’s lawyers intensified.

According to the Government Gazette, Friday was supposed to be the final day of the inquiry but following an extension granted by the president, the inquiry will have another five months to complete its work.

While it’s unclear when or whether Batohi will resume her testimony, the inquiry has agreed to continue with other witnesses who have been lined up by evidence leaders.

On Wednesday, Advocate Moipone Noko, the former National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head in the North West, will take the witness stand to testify on the role that she played in the prosecution of former KZN Hawks boss Johan Booysen and his Cato Manor unit.