Batohi testifies on DPP Chauke’s fitness

THE National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Advocate Shamila Batohi, gave evidence yesterday at the Nkabinde inquiry examining the fitness of Gauteng DPP Advocate Andrew Chauke to hold office.

- HOPE NTANZI [e-mail]

The proceedings opened with an address by Chauke's lawyer, Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi SC, after which Evidence Leader Advocate David Mohlamonyane SC lead Batohi's testimony.

The proceedings, chaired by retired Justice Ńkabinde and assisted by Advocates Elizabeth Baloyi-Mere and attorney Thenjiwe Vilakazi, were examining allegations that Chauke obstructed key criminal prosecutions, effectively shielding high-profile individuals from justice.

The inquiry was launched following a complaint by NDPP Batohi, and focuses on two particularly controversial cases: the racketeering prosecution of Major-General Johan Booysen and members of the Cato Manor Organised Crime Unit, and the discontinuation of murder charges against former police crime intelligence head Lt General Richard Mdluli.