By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
22 July 2025- Action SA said it welcomes the eventual and long overdue suspension of the ‘dodgy’ South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, Andrew Chauke, following its sustained pressure on President Cyril Ramaphosa to stop dragging his feet and act against Chauke, who ‘sits’ at the centre of several maliciously botched prosecutions.
Action SA Member of Parliament (MP), Athol Trollip said they first raised the alarm in November 2024, after it was revealed that Ramaphosa had failed to act against Chauke, despite receiving a request for his suspension as far back as August 2023 from NPA Director, Advocate Shamila Batohi. Trollip said they were particularly disturbed by Chauke’s continued role, given that he has presided over a litany of questionable decisions, including the withdrawal of charges against former Crime Intelligence boss Richard Mdluli, the pursuit of the discredited Cato Manor case against General Johan Booysen, and the irrational withdrawal of corruption charges against ANC MP, Zizi Kodwa based on vague “representations” which the NPA is now reviewing.
“It is plain for all to see that Chauke’s conduct reflected a clear pattern that raised serious concerns about his impartiality and fitness to hold such an important prosecutorial office, concerns evidently shared by the NDPP herself.
“While the suspension is welcomed, Action SA cannot reconcile the fact that Ramaphosa dragged his feet for nearly two years on such a critical matter, only to announce his decision in the dead of night, a clear indication of wilful prevarication that continues to hamper efforts to fix the already emasculated NPA,” he said.
Trollip further said Action SA believes this is but only one step in the right direction. He added that, if they are to truly fix the rot within the criminal justice system, they face a long and difficult road ahead, especially if decisions and such action continue to be delayed in this manner.
The Guardian 