Maema: Batohi’s withdrawal of Cato Manor charges ‘invalid and void’

By Simon Nare

Former North West Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Sello Maema, has told the Nkabinde Inquiry that former National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Advocate Shamila Batohi, acted unlawfully when she withdrew charges against members of the Cato Manor Organised Crime Unit.

Maema said Batohi’s decision to review and overturn her predecessor’s ruling, without representations from either the accused or the families of the deceased, was invalid.

“Her decision is invalid. It is void,” he told the inquiry.

Maema was testifying at the inquiry probing South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Andrew Chauke’s, fitness to hold office.

He said the evidence presented before the inquiry was sufficient for the current NDPP, Advocate Jan Lekoa Mothibi, to reinstate the charges against members of the unit.

The Cato Manor unit came under intense scrutiny in December 2011 after the Sunday Times published reports alleging that officers were operating as