Ramaphosa axes top prosecutor Andrew Chauke

Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Andrew Chauke, with immediate effect, pending an inquiry into his fitness to hold office.

The suspension was made under provisions of the National Prosecuting Authority Act after Chauke was asked to explain why he should not be suspended.

Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said the President believes Chauke’s continued role would harm the credibility of the NPA and hinder his ability to perform effectively while under investigation.

“Having asked Adv Chauke to provide reasons why he should not be suspended, President Ramaphosa has decided suspension is the correct course of action pending an inquiry.

PRESIDENT SUSPENDS SOUTH GAUTENG DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS

President @CyrilRamaphosa has suspended South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv Andrew Chauke, with immediate effect pending an inquiry into Adv Chauke’s fitness to hold office. https://t.co/s4dKRRF8TF

— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) July 21, 2025

“President Ramaphosa has informed Adv Chauke of his decision in writing and indicated that the President and the public would benefit from an independent assessment of issues that require elucidation and on which there are disputes of fact,” the Presidency said in a statement.

“The President believes Adv Chauke’s continued tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions – while facing serious accusations – would negatively affect the reputation of the National Prosecuting Authority as a whole.

“President Ramaphosa is also concerned that Adv Chauke will not be able to fulfil his functions optimally while facing an inquiry.

NPA head Shamila Batohi had earlier raised concerns over Chauke’s prosecutorial decisions, including his reluctance to prosecute Duduzane Zuma for culpable homicide and the decision not to charge former crime intelligence head Richard Mdluli with murder in a 1999 case.