President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended Advocate Andrew Chauke, the South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, with immediate effect, pending a formal inquiry into his fitness to hold office.
The suspension, issued under sections 14(3) and 12(6)(a) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act, follows a request by President Ramaphosa for Chauke to show cause why he should not be suspended – a request ultimately overridden in favor of ensuring public trust in the NPA.
Vincent Magwenya, the Presidency spokesperson, explained that the President believes Chauke’s continued tenure – while facing serious accusations – would negatively affect the NPA’s reputation, and that an independent, impartial inquiry is now essential.
The scrutiny dates back to August 2023 when National Director Shamila Batohi flagged concerns surrounding Chauke’s conduct in several politically sensitive prosecutions. These include his 2014 withdrawal of conspiracy charges against former Crime Intelligence boss Richard Mdluli, the controversial handling of the Cato Manor unit in KwaZulu-Natal, mismanagement of the Senzo Meyiwa docket, and most recently, his decision not to prosecute former Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa in November 2024.
The Presidency stated that allowing Chauke to remain in office during these unresolved issues could hamper the NPA’s integrity and effectiveness.
In a statement, Chauke has denied allegations of misconduct, arguing they stem from “unfounded” and “outdated” assertions and are politically motivated; yet the President, citing the need to protect public confidence in the justice system, decided in favor of suspension.
