Pretoria – Gauteng South Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andrew Chauke has been cleared of any wrongdoing by the Nkabinde Panel of Inquiry that probed his fitness to hold office, and his suspension has been lifted.
The panel, chaired by retired Justice Elizabeth Nkabinde, was assisted by Advocate Elizabeth Baloyi-Mere SC and Attorney Matshego Ramagaga.
Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi SC led the legal team representing Advocate Chauke.
During the inquiry, the panel 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 Advocate 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.
The Panel has also found that Advocate 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.
Responding to the findings, the Presidency said in a statement on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, that: “In view of these and other findings that exonerate Adv Chauke, President Ramaphosa is satisfied that there is no basis upon which to conclude that Advocate Chauke is unfit to hold office as Director of Public Prosecutions”.
The statement added: “President Cyril Ramaphosa has communicated to Advocate Chauke that he has been exonerated by the Nkabinde Panel of Enquiry which probed the Director’s fitness to hold office”.
President Ramaphosa established the Enquiry on 29 September 2025 in terms of section 12(6)(a) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act of 1998.
The mandate of the Inquiry was to investigate and determine whether Advocate Chauke was fit and proper to continue to hold office in the context of certain serious allegations regarding his fitness and propriety to hold such office.
President Ramaphosa placed Advocate Chauke on suspension from 20 July 2025, pending finalisation of the Enquiry.
“The President has thanked Advocate Chauke for his cooperation throughout the enquiry process,” said Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson to President Ramaphosa.
He said President Ramaphosa expressed his trust that the finalisation of this matter will enable Advocate Chauke to continue discharging his constitutional and statutory responsibilities with dedication and integrity in service of the National Prosecuting Authority and the nation.
“President Ramaphosa has also reiterated his appreciation to Enquiry Chairperson Justice Nkabinde, assisted by Advocate Elizabeth Baloyi-Mere SC and Attorney Matshego Ramagaga for the manner in which they undertook their task,” Magwenya said.
