By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The suspended South Gauteng prosecutions Head Andrew Chauke has concluded his testimony at the Nkabinde Commission of Inquiry.
Yesterday, Chauke defended his decision to withdraw a murder charge against former Crime Intelligence Head Richard Mdluli.
He said there was only circumstantial evidence against Mdluli, adding that he opted to refer the matter for an inquest.
During the proceedings today, evidence leaders conceded a key document had wrongly carried Chauke’s name that he took prosecutorial decisions in the Cato Manor matter.
Former North West prosecutor Advocate Sello Maema had previously testified that the email, dated 15 August 2012, erroneously reflected Chauke’s name, but that this was identified early and corrected.
Commission chair Justice Bess Nkabinde then asked evidence leader Advocate David Mohlamonyane whether, given that testimony, he accepted that there was no record proving Chauke took prosecutorial decisions in the Cato Manor matters.
“Yes, madam chair,” conceded Mohlamonyane.
Mohlamonyane also accepted that the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) had ruled that Chauke did not act irrationally when he provisionally withdrew murder and attempted murder charges against Mdluli.
Chauke concluded his testimony on Tuesday, but was warned that he could be called back to the enquiry if the need arose.
Meanwhile the hearings has been adjourned for the Easter recess.
Spokesperson on the inquiry Tiyisela Mpuzana said the sitting will reconvene on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
Mpuzana said when the hearings resume, the evidence leaders are expected to call additional witnesses, including Johan Booysen and Advocate Shareen Riley.
“The evidence leaders retain the discretion to call additional witnesses as may be required.”
Justice Nkabinde confirmed that the panel remains on track to submit its final report to President Cyril Ramaphosa by the end of May 2026.