By Johnathan Paoli
The inquiry into the fitness of advocate Andrew Chauke to continue serving as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for South Gauteng has strengthened its internal capacity with the appointment of two additional senior advocates to its Evidence Leading Team.
In a statement released by the inquiry’s secretariat on Tuesday, it was confirmed that senior counsels David Mtsweni and Themba Skosana will join Chief Evidence Leader David Mohlamonyane (SC) in handling the extensive body of material to be presented.
The trio will now collaborate in leading witnesses, assessing submissions, and guiding the presentation of evidence before the panel, chaired by retired Justice Bess Nkabinde.
The decision to expand the team follows weeks of preparatory work that revealed challenging volumes of documents, electronic records, and legal arguments central to the inquiry.
Spokesperson Tiyisela Mpuzana said the capacitation is aimed at ensuring that the proceedings continue to run orderly and efficiently and remain aligned with the timelines the enquiry has set for itself.
Mpuzana said the growing complexity of the allegations against Chauke has made it essential for the evidence leading team to have sufficient senior expertise to navigate the legal and administrative issues raised.
Chauke, who has served as DPP for more than a decade, faces scrutiny relating to alleged misconduct, questions of prosecutorial integrity, and claims that his actions may have undermined the functioning of the National Prosecuting Authority in the province.
Mpuzana said the addition of Mtsweni and Skosana will help to support the fairness, transparency, and integrity of the process by ensuring that the presentation of evidence is thorough and timely.
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