Interference marred prosecutorial decisions, NPA boss tells inquiry

THE emails, affidavits, and documents before the panel probing suspended Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andrew Chauke’s fitness to hold office point to prima facie interference in prosecutorial decision-making.

- HOPE NTANZI

Advocate Shamila Batohi

This is according to National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Advocate Shamila Batohi who told the inquiry led by retired Constitutional Court Justice Bess Nkabinde that it was unlawful for Chauke to push for the signing of an indictment in the matter involving ex-Hawks KwaZulu-Natal head Johan Booysen without providing supporting evidence to the acting provincial DPP at the time, Advocate Cyril Mlotshwa.

Explaining the nature of an indictment, Batohi said it is a document used in the High Court that sets out the charges against an accused, typically accompanied by a summary of the substantial facts underlying those charges. She said Mlotshwa had refused to sign an indictment emailed to him by Chauke on 12 June 2012, because the supporting evidence was not included despite repeated requests.