Ramaphosa suspends Gauteng NPA boss
President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Andrew Chauke, with immediate effect pending an inquiry into his fitness to hold office.
In a statement on Monday, the Presidency said Chauke had been asked to provide reasons why he should not be suspended.
However, President Ramaphosa decided suspension is the correct course of action pending an inquiry.
"President Ramaphosa has informed Adv Chauke of his decision in writing and indicated that the President and the public would benefit from an independent assessment of issues that require elucidation and on which there are disputes of fact," said Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.
"The President believes Adv Chauke’s continued tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions – while facing serious accusations – would negatively affect the reputation of the National Prosecuting Authority as a whole."
Ramaphosa has raised concerns that Adv Chauke will not be able to fulfil his functions optimally while facing an inquiry.
He has been at the centre of allegations for many years that he has acted as a gatekeeper and used the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to protect the politically powerful and corrupt.
This also includes Chauke not prosecuting the then head of the Crime Intelligence Unit, Richard Mdhluli, when he was accused of killing Oupa Ramogibe in 1999.
Ramogibe allegedly had an affair with Mdhluli’s customary wife before they got married.
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