Overview
- The Nkabinde panel, chaired by retired Justice Bess Nkabinde, found no credible evidence that Andrew Chauke took the prosecutorial decisions alleged in relation to the Cato Manor matter.
- The panel also concluded Chauke’s provisional withdrawal of murder charges against former Crime Intelligence head Richard Mdluli and the referral to an inquest were not irrational.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa has accepted the inquiry report and communicated the exoneration to Chauke, ending the basis for his precautionary suspension that began on 20 July 2025.
- The Presidency and the NPA are expected to set out the formal administrative steps and timing for Chauke’s reinstatement to the South Gauteng DPP office.
- The process was contentious throughout, with former NPA head Shamila Batohi walking out and later withdrawing from the hearings, and commentators say the outcome raises fresh questions about prosecutorial independence and how the NPA handles high-profile cases.