Chauke defends decisions on Cato Manor killings and Mdluli charges at Nkabinde enquiry

By Simon Nare

The Nkabinde Enquiry into the fitness of South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andrew Chauke to hold office has heard how alleged killings of taxi operators by the Cato Manor organised crime unit were brought before courts for inquest rulings, but magistrates ultimately held no one accountable.

Under cross-examination by evidence leader Advocate David Mohlamonyane, Chauke told the enquiry, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Bess Nkabinde, that many of the cases were taken to court to determine responsibility for the killings, but requests for inquests were declined.

He said that even after these rulings, the prosecution team remained ready to charge members of the unit to ensure accountability.

Mohlamonyane put it to Chauke that some of the cases the prosecution sought to pursue had already been subject to judicial pronouncements, effectively exonerating the officers.

“Is that allowed in law?” Mohlamonyane asked. Chauke replied that it