By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed retired Justice Bess Nkabinde, to lead the panel to probe the suspended Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Andrew Chauke, fitness to hold office.
Chauke was suspended after NPA boss Advocate Shamila Batohi wrote to Ramaphosa to request that he suspend Chauke amid withdrawals of State capture cases and low prosecutions.
He has been at the centre of allegations over many years that he has acted as a gatekeeper and had weaponised the NPA to protect the politically powerful and corrupt.
Chauke has occupied the job since 2011 and was appointed by the president (Jacob Zuma at the time), who has the power to remove him, which is what Ramaphosa has done.
In a statement, presidency said, retired Justice Bess Nkabinde will be assisted by senior counsel Advocate Elizabeth Baloyi-Mere and attorney Thenjiwe Vilakazi.”
“This inquiry will investigate Chauke’s fitness for office following serious allegations against him. The panel has four months to complete its work, said presidency.
Justice Nkabinde retired in 2017 from the Bench of the Constitutional Court after serving for 12 years.
Interestingly during a special ceremonial session held on 7 December 2017, Chauke, paid tribute to her on behalf of the NPA, saying the prosecuting authority was fortunate and humbled to have been associated with Justice Nkabinde.
He added that the NPA was indebted to Justice Nkabinde for her counsel and guidance. “We will remember her for the many cases she has presided over, “Chauke said at that time.