Chauke defends against state capture claims

LAWYERS representing suspended Gauteng’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Advocate Andrew Chauke have accused National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Shamila Batohi of linking him to state capture without any evidence.

- HOPE NTANZI

The accusation came during Batohi's testimony at the Nkabinde Inquiry yesterday, which is probing Chauke’ fitness to hold office following a complaint lodged by Batohi herself.

The inquiry focuses on two controversial cases: the racketeering prosecution of Major-General Johan Booysen and members of the Cato Manor Organised Crime Unit, and the decision to discontinue murder charges against former crime intelligence head, Lieutenant General Richard Mdluli.

Testifying before the inquiry, Batohi was questioned by Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi about her repeated references to state capture in the context of her actions involving Chauke.

Batohi admitted that she had no personal knowledge of any involvement by Advocate Chauke in state capture but explained that the issue of state capture had been a major concern within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) during the time she made certain decisions.

In response to the questioning, Batohi acknowledged that her decisions were made against the backdrop of the Zondo Commission’ inquiry into state capture.