Nkabinde Inquiry Pressures Batohi To Substantiate Claims Against Chauke

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head Shamila Batohi faced renewed pressure on Monday as the panel overseeing the inquiry into Johannesburg prosecutions boss Andrew Chauke pushed her to substantiate her claims against him.

Batohi returned to the witness stand in Pretoria, where she continued giving evidence in the high-profile proceedings.

The inquiry centres on Batohi’s allegations that Chauke took politically influenced decisions in his prosecutorial duties. President Cyril Ramaphosa suspended Chauke in July before appointing the panel to examine his fitness to hold office.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Hawks Officer And Tembisa Hospital Administrator Arrested In R100k Bribery Scandal

Last week, the inquiry’s chair, retired Justice Bess Nkabinde, reminded all parties to remain within the scope of the inquiry’s terms of reference.

On Monday, she reiterated this position, emphasising that Batohi’s testimony must directly address the specific allegations levelled against Chauke.

Throughout Batohi’s appearance, Nkabinde frequently intervened to ensure the evidence being presented linked clearly to the mandate of the inquiry.

Batohi Details Alleged Attempts to Undermine KZN Acting DPP

Batohi maintains that Chauke either undermined or attempted to undermine the authority of the then acting Director of Public Prosecutions in KwaZulu-Natal, Advocate Cyril Mlotshwa.

At the time, Mlotshwa was leading a team investigating former Hawks provincial head Johan Booysen and the Cato Manor organised crime unit.

During Monday’s session, Batohi spent several hours reading email exchanges between Chauke and Mlotshwa, highlighting what she described as indications of poor conduct on Chauke’s part.

---

For More, Follow SurgeZirc SA On  Facebook, X,  Instagram and Bluesky