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 health to carry workplace, and his suspension has been lifted.
The panel, chaired by retired Justice Elizabeth Nkabinde, was assisted by Advocate Elizabeth Baloyi-Mere SC and Legal professional Matshego Ramagaga.
Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi SC led the authorized group representing Advocate Chauke.
In the course of the inquiry, the panel thought-about in depth oral proof, documentary proof, skilled opinions, witness statements, and authorized submissions.
The panel has discovered that there was no credible proof upon which it may conclude that Advocate Chauke had taken prosecutorial choices as alleged in respect of the Cato Manor matter, or that he had acted unlawfully within the efficiency of his coordination capabilities.
The Panel has additionally discovered that Advocate Chauke’s choice to provisionally withdraw the homicide and associated prices in opposition to former Crime Intelligence head, Basic Richard Mdluli, and to refer the matter to an inquest was not irrational.
Responding to the findings, the Presidency mentioned in a press release on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, that: “In view of those and different findings that exonerate Adv Chauke, President Ramaphosa is glad that there isn’t a foundation upon which to conclude that Advocate Chauke is unfit to carry workplace as Director of Public Prosecutions”.
The assertion 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 health to carry workplace”.
President Ramaphosa established the Enquiry on 29 September 2025 when it comes to part 12(6)(a) of the Nationwide Prosecuting Authority Act of 1998.
The mandate of the Inquiry was to analyze and decide whether or not Advocate Chauke was match and correct to proceed to carry workplace within the context of sure critical allegations relating to his health and propriety to carry such workplace.
President Ramaphosa positioned Advocate Chauke on suspension from 20 July 2025, pending finalisation of the Enquiry.
“The President has thanked Advocate Chauke for his cooperation all through the enquiry course of,” mentioned Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson to President Ramaphosa.
He mentioned President Ramaphosa expressed his belief that the finalisation of this matter will allow Advocate Chauke to proceed discharging his constitutional and statutory duties with dedication and integrity in service of the Nationwide Prosecuting Authority and the nation.
“President Ramaphosa has additionally reiterated his appreciation to Enquiry Chairperson Justice Nkabinde, assisted by Advocate Elizabeth Baloyi-Mere SC and Legal professional Matshego Ramagaga for the style during which they undertook their process,” Magwenya mentioned.
