Shamila Batohi Challenges Accuracy Of Charges Against Chauke At High-Profile Inquiry

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head Shamila Batohi has told the inquiry probing Johannesburg prosecutions chief Andrew Chauke that some of the allegations brought against him are inaccurate.

Batohi, who is being cross-examined by Chauke’s legal team, initially lodged a complaint with President Cyril Ramaphosa that triggered Chauke’s suspension and the establishment of the inquiry into his fitness for office.

However, she stressed that although she reported the concerns, she is not the primary complainant — that role lies with Ramaphosa.

Batohi Distances Herself From Final Terms of Reference

Despite submitting a draft memorandum to the president outlining concerns about Chauke, Batohi emphasised that the document had been altered for the official terms of reference used by the inquiry. She noted that her original wording does not necessarily match the current charges.

Chauke’s lawyer, Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, challenged Batohi on specific allegations, reading through sections of the charges to test their accuracy.

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“He sought to improperly have the acting… sign the case dockets and or sign the prosecuting memo. If you read it like that, it’s incorrect. That is not what we are saying,” Batohi clarified.

Ngcukaitobi responded, “To charge 3.1.1.1 is a wrong charge.”

“It’s incorrect,” Batohi replied.

“Well, incorrect and being wrong are the same thing,” Ngcukaitobi added.

Defence Pushes for Access to Shamila Batohi ’s Draft Memorandum

Chauke’s legal team has requested access to Batohi’s draft submission to the president.

They argue that seeing it alongside the finalised terms of reference would help determine whether any inaccuracies in the charges originated from Batohi or from Ramaphosa’s office.

The inquiry continues as both sides seek clarity on how the contested charges were formulated.

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