Booysen and Mdluli cases to be the main focus in Advocate Chauke's inquiry

THE inquiry into the fitness of suspended South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Andrew Chauke, kicked off yesterday.

- ZELDA VENTER

It will focus on allegations that Chauke protected politically connected people and mishandled high-profile cases.

His alleged actions, which resulted in drawn-out litigation, were not only costly, as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) faced many cost orders against it over the years, but his actions also harmed the reputation of the NPA, evidence leader Advocate David Mohlamonyane said during his opening address.

The inquiry, which has been set down for four months, is headed by retired Constitutional Court Judge Bess Nkabinde. Chauke is being represented by Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi during the hearing. National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Shamila Batohi, is due to be the first witness to take the stand today.

She is instrumental to the inquiry, as Chauke was suspended in July by President Cyril Ramaphosa, following her recommendation in this regard.