Chauke cleared of wrongdoing by Nkabinde Inquiry
President Cyril Ramaphosa informed the Gauteng South Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Andrew Chauke, that he has been cleared of wrongdoing by the Nkabinde Inquiry into his fitness to hold office.
Ramaphosa established the inquiry in September 2025 after allegations by the then National Director of Public Prosecutions, Shamila Batohi, of political motivations in prosecuting decisions.
READ MORE: Ramaphosa receives Nkabinde Inquiry report into Chauke’s fitness to hold office
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the mandate of the inquiry was to investigate and determine whether Chauke was fit and proper to continue holding office in light of certain serious allegations regarding his fitness and propriety to hold such office.
Ramaphosa placed Chauke on special leave in July 2025.
The Inquiry, chaired by Justice Baaitse Nkabinde, considered extensive oral evidence, documentary evidence, expert opinions, witness statements and legal submissions.
"The panel has found that there was no credible evidence upon which it could conclude that Adv Chauke had taken prosecutorial decisions as alleged in respect of the Cato Manor matter, or that he had acted unlawfully in the performance of his coordination functions," said Magwenya.
"The panel has also found that Chauke’s decision to provisionally withdraw the murder and related charges against former Crime Intelligence head, General Richard Mdluli, and to refer the matter to an inquest was not irrational."
He said in light of these findings, the president was satisfied that Chauke is fit for office as Director of Public Prosecutions.
"President Ramaphosa has also reiterated his appreciation to Enquiry Chairperson Justice Nkabinde, assisted by Adv Elizabeth Baloyi-Mere SC and Attorney Matshego Ramagaga for the manner in which they undertook their task."
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