Shamila Batohi
As the Nkabinde Inquiry into Advocate Andrew Chauke’s fitness to hold office resumes, Judge Bess Nkabinde is pressing NPA head Shamila Batohi to back her allegations of political interference and misconduct. The probe will hinge on whether she can convincingly tie her claims to evidence.
The Nkabinde Inquiry has intensified its scrutiny of National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi as it presses her to substantiate her allegations against suspended Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions Andrew Chauke. Returning to the stand, Batohi defended her call for the inquiry, arguing that Chauke’s prosecutorial decisions in several high-profile matters reflected political interference and an abuse of discretion.
Judge Bess Nkabinde, who is presiding over the inquiry, has made it clear that the commission expects more than broad assertions. She pressed Batohi to demonstrate how her concerns translate into evidence that Chauke acted improperly in cases involving senior police officials and politically sensitive investigations. The panel also dismissed Batohi’s request to deliver her evidence in one uninterrupted session, insisting the inquiry would proceed according to its own structure and timetable.
Batohi maintains that her testimony is rooted in a duty to protect the integrity of the National Prosecuting Authority. She revealed that she intends to show how outside influences attempted to shape prosecutorial decisions, warning that such pressure can erode public trust in the institution. At the same time, she denied that the inquiry is an attempt to punish Chauke for decisions made within his legal discretion, saying the issue is the pattern that those decisions may reveal.
As the hearings continue, the inquiry has shifted firmly onto the question of proof. The panel wants clear links between Batohi’s concerns and demonstrable misconduct, and the coming stages of testimony will determine whether her allegations can withstand judicial scrutiny. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for the NPA’s accountability and the public’s confidence in its independence.
