Delays and conflict of interest concerns cloud inquiry into NPA’s Andrew Chauke

A request for legal advice by outgoing National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head Shamila Batohi on Monday caused further delays and confusion in the Nkabinde Inquiry.

The inquiry is investigating Johannesburg prosecutions boss Andrew Chauke’s fitness to hold office.

Batohi is the main complainant against Chauke and is the inquiry’s first witness.

Last year, she abandoned her testimony while asking for legal advice.

However, her request was rejected by the Solicitor-General, and her subsequent appeal was also declined by Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, who suggested that she use the services of the NPA’s lawyers.

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The matter has now hit another snag as evidence leaders requested a week to explore a possible conflict of interest regarding Batohi's legal representation.

The inquiry's proceedings have been hampered by these procedural disputes, stalling the State's case against Chauke.