Ramaphosa Suspends Gauteng Prosecuting Head Amidst Scrutiny
Natalie Nyathi
President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended Andrew Chauke, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for South Gauteng, effective July 21, 2025. This decision comes as Chauke faces an inquiry into whether he is fit for the job, part of ongoing efforts to rebuild public trust in the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
The suspension was announced in line with the National Prosecuting Authority Act. Ramaphosa previously asked Chauke to explain why he should not be suspended. According to Vincent Magwenya, the President’s spokesperson, the suspension allows for an independent review of the serious allegations against Chauke.
Ramaphosa expressed concern that keeping Chauke in his role could harm the reputation of the NPA during the investigation. He also noted that Chauke might find it hard to carry out his duties effectively while facing scrutiny.
Chauke has held his position since around 2011, overseeing decisions on criminal cases in the Johannesburg High Court area. His handling of several high-profile cases has drawn criticism, leading to calls for accountability.
One notable case involves Duduzane Zuma, the son of former President Jacob Zuma. Chauke faced backlash for hesitating to prosecute Zuma for culpable homicide after a fatal car crash in 2014, even though there was evidence of negligence. This raised questions about Chauke’s decision-making.
Chauke has also been criticized for not pursuing charges against Richard Mdluli, the former police crime intelligence head, in a 1999 murder case. These decisions have led to concerns that Chauke may have protected powerful individuals from prosecution.
The NPA plays an important role in South Africa’s justice system, aiming to ensure that crime victims receive fair treatment through unbiased prosecution. This suspension is part of broader efforts to improve the NPA’s independence and effectiveness, especially after the state capture era, which revealed the risks of political interference.
