President Cyril Ramaphosa officially exonerated Gauteng South Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Advocate Andrew Chauke, following findings by the Nkabinde Panel of Enquiry that he is, indeed, fit to hold office.

As a result, Chauke, who had been on precautionary suspension since July 2025, is set to resume his duties at the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

The enquiry, initiated in September 2025 under the National Prosecuting Authority Act, reviewed Chauke's fitness to continue leading the Johannesburg-based prosecuting office.

The enquiry was established by Ramaphosa after former National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Advocate Shamila Batohi raised concerns regarding his prosecutorial decisions.

Chauke was investigated across several major controversies, but the independent panel, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Bess Nkabinde, assisted by Advocate Elizabeth Baloyi-Mere SC and Attorney Matshego Ramagaga found no credible evidence against him.

The panel concluded there was no credible evidence showing Chauke took the contested prosecutorial decisions regarding the Cato Manor Organised Crime Unit, nor that he acted unlawfully in his coordination functions.

The panel found that Chauke’s 2011 decision to provisionally withdraw murder and related charges against former Crime Intelligence head General Richard Mdluli, and refer the matter to an inquest, was not irrational. This aligns with previous findings by the Supreme Court of Appeal.

After evaluating the documentary evidence, expert opinions, witness statements, and legal submissions, Ramaphosa stated he is satisfied that there is no basis to declare Chauke unfit.

The President communicated the outcome directly to Chauke, thanking him for his cooperation. Ramaphosa expressed his trust that the conclusion of this inquiry will allow the DPP to continue discharging his constitutional responsibilities.