Mlotshwa thinks Andrew Chauke is fit for DPP position

South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Andrew Chauke.

Former KwaZulu-Natal Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Cyril Mlotshwa, has told the Nkabinde Enquiry he does not believe suspended South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Andrew Chauke, is unfit to hold office.

Mlotshwa says he felt compelled rather than willing to testify against Chauke at multiple commissions, including the Zondo and Mogoro inquiries.

The Nkabinde Enquiry is probing Chauke’s fitness to hold office.

Mlotshwa says Chauke pressured him to sign an indictment without evidence and implicated Nomgcobo Jiba, the former Acting National Director of Public Prosecutions in pursuance of charges against the Cato Manor Unit.

Mlotshwa also told the Nkabinde Enquiry he testified under pressure, fearing consequences if he refused.

“First, I resisted saying I am extremely busy, but it was brought to my attention that if I don’t cooperate, I will be reported to the lPC or the office of the minister. It was on that basis that I agreed that, though it happened 14 years ago, I will assist.”

Advocate Thembeka Ngcukaitobi reiterated the purpose of the enquiry, while Mlotshwa maintained that based on the available evidence, Chauke is fit to hold office.

Advocate Ngcukaitobi: The enquiry is meant to investigate Chauke’s fitness in the capacity of DPP, do you believe he is not fit to hold his office?

Mlotshwa: With the evidence I have, I don’t think he is not.

Mlotshwa also told the panel he would have pursued racketeering charges against Johan Booysen and members of the Cato Manor Unit if sufficient evidence had been provided.