Legal representatives for suspended prosecutor Advocate Andrew Chauke have opposed a postponement request in the Nkabinde Enquiry probing his fitness for office. The evidence leaders sought a delay due to missing witnesses and recent appointments, but the panel dismissed it. Chauke's case will now proceed on Thursday.
The Nkabinde Enquiry, tasked with assessing Advocate Andrew Chauke's suitability as South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, convened briefly on 9 February 2026. Suspended from his position, Chauke faces scrutiny over his professional conduct.
Evidence leaders applied for a postponement to the following week, pointing to the unavailability of key witnesses. They also noted that legal counsel for Advocate Shamila Batohi, the National Director of Public Prosecutions, was only appointed on Sunday. However, no specific date was provided for Batohi's testimony.
Chauke's legal team countered the request, leading to a ruling from panel member Advocate Elizabeth Baloyi-Mere. She dismissed the postponement bid set for 17 February 2026 and granted Chauke's counter-application with modifications.
“The application for postponement to Tuesday the 17th of February 2026 is dismissed. The counter application logged by Adv Chauke team is granted subject to the necessary modifications of the reliefs of the notice of motion. Adv Chauke will open his case and commence with his leading evidence on Thursday the 12th of February 2026.”
This decision ensures the enquiry moves forward without further delay, allowing Chauke to present his defense starting Thursday.