Shamila Batohi Says Referring Chauke To Inquiry Was A Difficult But Necessary Decision

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head Shamila Batohi has told the inquiry into Johannesburg prosecutions boss Andrew Chauke that referring him to a formal probe was “not an easy one to make”.

She began her testimony on Wednesday, outlining the events that led her to approach President Cyril Ramaphosa with her concerns.

The inquiry is examining Chauke’s fitness to hold office, with specific focus on whether his prosecutorial decisions may have been influenced by political considerations. Batohi is the chief complainant in the matter.

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Taking the stand at the Nkabinde Inquiry, Batohi opened by acknowledging her long-standing working relationship with Chauke.

“Giving evidence before this inquiry is not something I relish. Advocate Chauke is a colleague that I have known for a long time, with whom I have had a professional and cordial relationship,” she said.

Shamila Batohi: Public Confidence in Prosecutions Under the Spotlight

Batohi told the inquiry that the case goes beyond an internal dispute and directly affects how the public perceives the integrity of the prosecution service. She stressed the damage caused when justice appears to be influenced by politics.

“And any perception that prosecutions are politically motivated, selectively pursued or not, or improperly abandoned, they erode the legitimacy of, and the trust and confidence in the entire system,” she said.

Throughout the afternoon session, Batohi provided detailed technical evidence on the organisational structure governing prosecutors across the country. She is expected to continue presenting further structural and procedural evidence on Thursday.

Inquiry Into Chauke’s Decisions Continues

Chauke’s conduct as Johannesburg’s top prosecutor remains central to the inquiry’s work, with several of his past decisions being scrutinised for potential political influence.

The outcome of the probe could have significant implications for both Chauke’s career and the broader credibility of the NPA.

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