President Ramaphosa grants five-month extension to Nkabinde inquiry

President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended the Nkabinde Inquiry by five months. The inquiry led by retired Justice Baaitse Elizabeth (Bess) Nkabinde into the fitness of Advocate Andrew Chauke to hold the office of Director of Public Prosecutions was supposed to complete and submit a final report on 30 January 2026.

Established in September 2025 in terms of section 12(6) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act of 1998, the Nkabinde Inquiry has been bogged down by a combination of procedural, legal, and logistical issues.

Only one witness has testified so far. In a statement this week, the Presidency stated: “President Ramaphosa has extended this period to 30 June 2026 as a result of a delay in the commencement of the proceedings of the inquiry.”

Commenting on the matter, the Nkabinde Inquiry said it welcomed the decision by President Ramaphosa to extend its completion date, saying the extension will enable it to fulfil its fact-finding mandate comprehensively and in accordance with its terms of reference.

Proceedings were adjourned in the afternoon on Thursday, 29 January 2026, to allow the Evidence Leaders to consult with witnesses and prepare for the continuation of the hearings.

When proceedings resume on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, Advocate Moipone Noko will be called as a witness.

Advocate Noko previously served as the Director of Public Prosecutions in KwaZulu-Natal, having been appointed to that position in 2012.

Evidence Leader Advocate Nkaiseng Khooe has been designated to consult with Advocate Noko, prepare her witness statement, and lead her evidence.