Pretoria, South Africa – July 21, 2025 – President Cyril Ramaphosa today announced the immediate suspension of Advocate Andrew Chauke, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for South Gauteng, pending an inquiry into his fitness to hold office. The decision, made in terms of section 14(3) read with 12(6)(a) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Act, follows what the Presidency described as “serious accusations” that have negatively affected the reputation of the NPA.
The suspension comes after a prolonged period of scrutiny and public pressure regarding Adv Chauke’s conduct in several high-profile cases. While the Presidency’s statement does not explicitly detail the accusations, a review of past media reports and statements from various organizations points to a history of controversial decisions and allegations that have plagued Adv Chauke’s tenure.
Key concerns that have been raised against Adv Chauke include:
* Withdrawal of charges against high-profile individuals: One of the most prominent criticisms against Adv Chauke has been his alleged role in the withdrawal of charges against former Crime Intelligence boss Richard Mdluli. This case, along with others, has led to accusations of politically motivated decisions and a lack of impartiality in the pursuit of justice. More recently, there have been reports of the “irrational withdrawal” of corruption charges against ANC MP Zizi Kodwa, further fueling concerns about Chauke’s judgment and potential influence.
* Handling of the “Cato Manor” case: Adv Chauke has faced significant criticism for his handling of the “Cato Manor” police unit case, which saw charges pursued against General Johan Booysen, only to be later discredited. This saga, spanning over a decade, has been cited as an example of alleged political weaponization of the NPA office under Chauke’s leadership.
* Involvement in the Senzo Meyiwa murder investigation: Adv Chauke was also implicated in the “botched” high-profile “two dockets” Senzo Meyiwa murder investigation, with a Pretoria High Court in June 2022 ordering him to clarify matters.
* Allegations of State Capture links: Various organizations and reports, including those from Open Secrets, have linked Adv Chauke to questionable decisions during the State Capture era, suggesting his role in either pursuing dubious prosecutions or, conversely, failing to prosecute certain individuals implicated in corruption.
* Delayed prosecutions and accountability: Critics have also highlighted what they perceive as delays and inaction in prosecuting certain cases, leading to concerns about the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the South Gauteng DPP’s office under his leadership.
President Ramaphosa’s statement emphasized the need for an independent assessment of the issues, citing “disputes of fact” that require elucidation. He also expressed concern that Adv Chauke’s continued presence in office while facing these serious accusations would hinder his ability to perform optimally and negatively impact the NPA’s reputation.
The National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Advocate Shamila Batohi, reportedly requested Adv Chauke’s suspension as far back as August 2023. While civil society organizations like ActionSA have expressed frustration over the perceived delay in the President’s action, today’s announcement signals a decisive step towards addressing the long-standing concerns surrounding Adv Chauke’s tenure.
The inquiry will now delve into the accusations against Adv Chauke, with the findings expected to shed light on the integrity and independence of the prosecuting authority in South Africa.