In Conversation With Elton Hart ( Legal Analyst)
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Some opposition parties have welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to suspend Gauteng National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head Andrew Chauke, calling the move "long overdue."
On Monday, Ramaphosa officially placed Chauke on suspension pending the outcome of a disciplinary inquiry into his fitness to hold office.
The action follows nearly two years of inaction after National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Shamila Batohi, first raised concerns. In August 2023, Batohi wrote to the President, recommending Chauke’s suspension over alleged misconduct in his handling of high-profile cases.
Chauke has faced criticism for decisions made during his tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions in Johannesburg. The State Capture Commission’s final report found that Chauke had improperly withdrawn murder and related charges against former intelligence chief Richard Mdluli.
More recently, Chauke also oversaw the controversial withdrawal of corruption charges against former ANC national spokesperson Zizi Kodwa — a decision that was later reviewed by the NPA’s national team
On Monday, Ramaphosa officially placed Chauke on suspension pending the outcome of a disciplinary inquiry into his fitness to hold office.
The action follows nearly two years of inaction after National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Shamila Batohi, first raised concerns. In August 2023, Batohi wrote to the President, recommending Chauke’s suspension over alleged misconduct in his handling of high-profile cases.
Chauke has faced criticism for decisions made during his tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions in Johannesburg. The State Capture Commission’s final report found that Chauke had improperly withdrawn murder and related charges against former intelligence chief Richard Mdluli.
More recently, Chauke also oversaw the controversial withdrawal of corruption charges against former ANC national spokesperson Zizi Kodwa — a decision that was later reviewed by the NPA’s national team