President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andrew Chauke with immediate effect pending an inquiry into Chauke’s fitness to hold office.

The Witness reports that this suspension comes in terms of section 14(3) read with 12(6)(a) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act 32 of 1998.

A statement by The Presidency yesterday said that after having asked Chauke to provide reasons why he should not be suspended, Ramaphosa decided that suspension is the correct course of action pending an inquiry.

“President Ramaphosa has informed Adv Chauke of his decision in writing and indicated that the President and the public would benefit from an independent assessment of issues that require elucidation and on which there are disputes of fact,” reads the statement.

The statement added that Ramaphosa believes that Chauke’s continued tenure as director of Public Prosecutions – while facing serious accusations – would negatively affect the reputation of the National Prosecuting Authority as a whole.

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