How Batohi sunk NPA

ADMISSIONS: INTEGRITY AND CAPACITY TO DISCHARGE DUTIES IN QUESTION >>> Handling of key decisions leading to Andrew Chauke's suspension flagged.

- Sipho Mabena

DARK CLOUD. National Director of Public Prosecutions advocate Shamila Batohi's concessions undermine the NPA's legitimacy and may weaken voluntary compliance with the law, a legal expert says.

(Picture: Gallo Images)

Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi is expected to continue his grilling of outgoing prosecutions boss, advocate Shamila Batohi, on her “poisoned” and “irresponsible” basis for the charge against Johannesburg prosecutions boss Andrew Chauke, when the inquiry into his fitness to hold office resumes today.

On Monday, Ngcukaitobi, Chauke's lawyer, took her to task, cornering her into making a series of striking admissions under cross-examination about her handling of key decisions that led to Chauke's suspension.

The inquiry is focusing is on two contentious matters; the racketeering charges authorised against former KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Major-General Johan Booysen and members of the Cato Manor Unit, and the withdrawal of murder charges against former crime intelligence boss Lieutenant-General Richard Mdluli.