THAMI DICKSON | The high cost of Batohi’s allegations against Chauke (opens original article in a new tab)

Advocate Andrew Chauke may pursue legal action against former national director of public prosecutions Shamila Batohi for malicious prosecution and reputational damage if the Nkabinde inquiry clears him or fails to establish his unfitness to hold office. Batohi failed to substantiate her allegations against Chauke with evidence and walked out of the inquiry in December 2025 during cross-examination. The inquiry chair rejected her request to submit written evidence instead of appearing for cross-examination, citing the need for proper scrutiny.

• Advocate Andrew Chauke may sue Shamila Batohi for malicious prosecution and reputational damage if the Nkabinde inquiry clears him or finds him unfit.
• Batohi failed to substantiate her allegations against Chauke with evidence and walked out of the inquiry in December 2025 during cross-examination.
• The Nkabinde inquiry chair rejected Batohi's request to submit written evidence instead of appearing for cross-examination, citing the need for proper scrutiny.