The Nkabinde Inquiry has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to extend its completion deadline to 30 June 2026, saying the additional time will allow it to fully and properly conclude its work.
The Presidency on Thursday confirmed that President Ramaphosa had granted the extension to the inquiry chaired by retired Constitutional Court justice Baaitse Elizabeth “Bess” Nkabinde, which is probing the fitness of Advocate Andrew Chauke to hold office as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in South Gauteng.
The inquiry was originally expected to finalise its work and submit its report to the President by 30 January 2026.
In a media statement, inquiry spokesperson Tiyisela Mpuzana said the panel welcomed the decision, describing it as necessary to ensure the inquiry fulfils its fact-finding mandate in line with its terms of reference.
“The extension will enable the Enquiry to fulfil its fact-finding mandate comprehensively and in accordance with its terms of reference,” Mpuzana said.
Ramaphosa established the inquiry in September 2025 in terms of section 12(6) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act of 1998. The inquiry is tasked with determining whether Advocate Chauke remains fit to occupy the senior prosecutorial position of DPP in South Gauteng.
According to the Presidency, the extension was granted due to delays in the commencement of the inquiry’s proceedings, which affected the original timetable.
“The President has extended the period for completion of the inquiry as a result of a delay in the commencement of the proceedings,” presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said.
He confirmed that the new deadline for the submission of the inquiry’s final report is 30 June 2026.
Meanwhile, proceedings of the inquiry were adjourned on Thursday afternoon to allow evidence leaders time to consult with witnesses and prepare for the continuation of hearings.
When the inquiry resumes at 09:00 on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, Advocate Moipone Noko is expected to take the stand. Noko previously served as Director of Public Prosecutions in KwaZulu-Natal, a position to which she was appointed in 2012, and oversaw several high-profile prosecutions during her tenure.
Evidence leader Advocate Nkaiseng Khooe has been designated to consult with Noko, prepare her witness statement and lead her evidence before the inquiry.
Justice Nkabinde is assisted on the panel by Advocate Elizabeth Baloyi-Mere SC and attorney Matshego Ramagaga.
The inquiry’s final report and recommendations will be submitted to Ramaphosa, who will then decide on Advocate Chauke’s future as DPP. The extension, both the Presidency and the inquiry stressed, is aimed at ensuring a thorough, fair and credible process.
