Jeff Radebe named in alleged threat by Chauke, Batohi tells inquiry

National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi told the Nkabinde Inquiry that Andrew Chauke, then Gauteng South DPP, threatened to involve former Justice Minister Jeff Radebe in a prosecutorial dispute. The conflict centered on charges against former Hawks head Major-General Johan Booysen and others from the Cato Manor unit.

Batohi presented email exchanges in which Acting KwaZulu-Natal DPP Simphiwe Mlotshwa refused to sign an indictment due to a lack of supporting evidence. When Mlotshwa hesitated, Chauke allegedly warned he would escalate the issue to “his bosses,” naming both Radebe and acting NDPP Nomgcobo Jiba.

Batohi argued this threat was unlawful, saying a minister should have no role in the prosecutorial chain of command. She said Chauke was acting “outside of his jurisdiction” by trying to force Mlotshwa’s compliance.