Advocate Andrew Chauke, the South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, has been cleared of all misconduct allegations following the Nkabinde Commission of Inquiry's final report.

The independent panel, chaired by Justice Bess Nkabinde, found no credible evidence to substantiate claims by former NDPP Shamila Batohi that Chauke made politically motivated prosecutorial decisions.

The inquiry, established by President Cyril Ramaphosa, scrutinized Chauke's fitness to hold office, including allegations of delaying Prasa prosecutions and interfering in the R1.2 billion corruption case involving Brian Hlongwa.Chauke denied wrongdoing, arguing he acted as a coordinator rather than a decision-maker.

Batohi's credibility was undermined by her reliance on external legal opinions without reviewing case dockets, leading to her withdrawal from the inquiry.The panel concluded Chauke's decisions, including dropping murder charges against Richard Mdluli, were not irrational.

The exoneration highlights systemic issues within the National Prosecuting Authority, with political analyst Andre Duvenhage criticizing Batohi's tenure as unproductive.