The inquiry into suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, South Gauteng, Andrew Chauke’s fitness to hold office has been adjourned for the Easter recess, with proceedings set to resume in early April.
The panel, chaired by retired Justice Bess Nkabinde, paused hearings on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, after Chauke concluded his testimony in Pretoria.
Spokesperson of the inquiry, Tiyisela Mpuzana said the sitting will reconvene on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 9 am.
Chauke’s testimony — led in part by Senior Counsel Tembeka Ngcukaitobi — included examination-in-chief, cross-examination and re-examination. His legal team has indicated that the defence case is provisionally closed.
Following Chauke’s appearance, the panel heard evidence from Jan Mabula, who testified about investigations into the Cato Manor Organised Crime Unit. Mabula outlined the processes followed by the task team under his command and described coordination between law enforcement and prosecutorial authorities.
Chauke also faced tough questions around the prosecution of former KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Major-General Johan Booysen and members of the Cato Manor Organised Crime Unit as well as his failure to continue with charges against former police crime intelligence boss Lieutenant-General Richard Mdluli for his involvement in the murder of Tefo Abel Ramogibe, among others.
Mpuzana said when the hearings resume, the evidence leaders are expected to call additional witnesses, including Booysen and Advocate Shareen Riley.
“The evidence leaders retain the discretion to call additional witnesses as may be required.”
Meanwhile, Justice Nkabinde confirmed that the panel remains on track to submit its final report to President Cyril Ramaphosa by the end of May 2026
