The Democratic Alliance (DA) has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to suspend South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Advocate Andrew Chauke pending an inquiry into his fitness to hold office. The presidency stated that allowing Chauke to remain in his position amid serious allegations could damage the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) reputation.
Chauke’s Controversial History
DA MP and former senior prosecutor Advocate Glynnis Breytenbach claimed that Chauke was controversially reinstated into the NPA during former President Jacob Zuma’s administration under then-NPA head Menzi Simelane.
“He was brought back by Simelane under Zuma to do a job—and that job wasn’t to be a good DPP,” Breytenbach said in an interview. She alleged that Chauke had actively undermined NPA leadership and obstructed efforts to restructure the prosecuting authority.
Chauke previously resigned as head of Johannesburg’s Specialised Commercial Crime Unit with 24 hours’ notice during the fallout from the Brett Kebble scandal due to his connections in the case. His return to the NPA, Breytenbach argued, was politically motivated.
Delayed Suspension Raises Concerns
Breytenbach noted that NPA head Shamila Batohi had requested Chauke’s suspension four years ago, but the president only acted now. “There’s nothing ‘immediate’ about this suspension,” she said, adding that Chauke’s prolonged tenure had caused “significant damage” to the NPA’s operations.
She described the NPA as having a “top-down culture,” where poor leadership in key positions like Chauke’s had demoralised prosecutors and hindered efficiency.
Broader Implications for NPA Reform
Breytenbach also referenced her own contentious history with the NPA, including her disciplinary hearing linked to the Richard Mdluli case. She accused the NPA of delaying tactics in prosecuting high-profile figures, citing Mdluli’s corruption trial—which only began this year, 14 years after the alleged crimes.
“The NPA’s delays allowed state capture players to evade accountability for years,” she said, pointing to figures like Nomgcobo Jiba, Shaun Abrahams, and Lawrence Mrwebi, who were eventually removed.
Judicial Commission of Inquiry Debate
On the upcoming judicial commission of inquiry into allegations by Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, Breytenbach argued that its terms of reference should be broad enough to uncover systemic issues, including Chauke’s role.
She also dismissed the MK Party’s objections to Acting Chief Justice Mandisa Maya presiding over the inquiry, stating that judges are trained to remain objective. “Justice Maya is highly respected and capable of impartiality,” Breytenbach said.
Conclusion
The suspension marks a pivotal moment for the NPA, which has long faced criticism for inefficiency and political interference. Breytenbach’s remarks underscore lingering concerns over whether the inquiry will lead to meaningful reform or merely scratch the surface of deeper systemic issues.
