President Exonerates Gauteng South DPP Following NPA Act Section 12 Inquiry

Posted 23 July 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Prosecution & Judiciary

Brought to you by SAnews: President Cyril Ramaphosa has exonerated Gauteng South Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv Andrew Chauke, allowing him to continue in office following an independent inquiry established under section 12(6)(a) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act, No. 32 of 1998.

In terms of section 12(6)(a) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act, No. 32 of 1998, the President instituted an enquiry on 29 September 2025 to investigate whether Adv Chauke was fit and proper to hold office as Director of Public Prosecutions. Adv Chauke had previously been suspended with effect from 20 July 2025 pending the outcome of the inquiry.

The inquiry panel, chaired by Justice Baaitse Elizabeth Nkabinde and assisted by Adv Elizabeth Baloyi-Mere SC and Attorney Matshego Ramagaga, examined oral and documentary evidence, witness statements, legal submissions, and expert opinions. The primary findings of the Nkabinde Panel of Enquiry include:

  • Cato Manor Matter: The panel found no credible evidence indicating that Adv Chauke took prosecutorial decisions as alleged or acted unlawfully in executing his coordination functions.
  • Mdluli Matter: The decision to provisionally withdraw murder and related charges against former Crime Intelligence head General Richard Mdluli, and to refer the matter to an inquest, was found not to be irrational.
  • Fitness for Office: The panel concluded that there was no factual or legal basis to find Adv Chauke unfit to hold office as Director of Public Prosecutions.

Based on these findings, the President confirmed that Adv Chauke will continue executing his statutory and constitutional obligations within the National Prosecuting Authority.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: No direct individual compliance obligations; legal practitioners should note the restoration of stable executive leadership at the Gauteng South Division of the National Prosecuting Authority.
  • For your business: Law firms and corporate compliance departments managing criminal matters or regulatory referrals within the Gauteng South jurisdiction can proceed under the established leadership of the DPP office.
  • For your clients: Cases, representations, and decisions currently pending review before the Gauteng South DPP will continue under the direct oversight of the confirmed DPP, removing procedural uncertainty surrounding interim governance.

Originally published at https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/president-ramaphosa-clears-adv-andrew-chauke-continue-dpp-after-inquiry

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