President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that Advocate Andrew Chauke, the Director of Public Prosecutions in South Gauteng, will face an independent inquiry into whether he is fit to remain in office.
Is this the end of Andrew Chauke’s career?
According to Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, the inquiry was launched in terms of the National Prosecuting Authority Act, which gives the president the power to suspend a senior prosecutor when serious concerns are raised.
Chauke has been suspended with full pay from 20 July 2025, pending the outcome of the investigation.
Magwenya explained:
“The inquiry will look into serious allegations regarding Adv Chauke’s fitness and propriety to hold office. In terms of the Constitution and the law, the inquiry will be conducted fairly and impartially.”
Chauke has been in his position since 2011, but his name has increasingly been linked to allegations of misconduct and concerns about his independence.
Why is this happening now?
Before suspending Chauke, President Ramaphosa gave him a chance to explain why he should not be suspended.
After receiving Chauke’s response, the president concluded that it would not be in the public’s best interest for him to continue in office while under suspicion.
The presidency said that allowing Chauke to continue would damage the reputation of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and raise doubts about its independence.
Civil society organisation Public Interest SA welcomed the decision, calling it long overdue. They noted that National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi had first recommended action against Chauke more than two years ago.
“This marks a critical step towards restoring public confidence in the prosecutorial integrity and institutional credibility of the NPA,” the group said in a statement.
President Ramaphosa has appointed retired Justice Baaitse Elizabeth Nkabine as chairperson of the inquiry. She will be joined by Advocate Elizabeth Baloyi-Mere SC and attorney Thenjiwe Vilakazi as panel members.
The panel will decide where the inquiry will be held and how the hearings will run.
After the process is complete, the chairperson will submit a report to the president, who will then make the final decision on Chauke’s future.