President Cyril Ramaphosa has established an inquiry to determine the fitness of Advocate Andrew Chauke to hold office as Director of Public Prosecutions and as a member of the National Prosecuting Authority.

The inquiry is established in terms of Section 12(6)(a) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act of 1998.

Chauke was appointed Director of Public Prosecutions on September 1, 2011 and faces allegations of abuse of power.

Ramaphosa has appointed retired Justice Baaitse Elizabeth (Bess) Nkabine as chairperson of the inquiry, with Advocate Elizabeth Baloyi-Mere and attorney Thenjiwe Vilakazi as additional members.

Chauke was suspended by Ramaphosa with effect from July 20, on full pay, pending the finalisation of the inquiry.

Ramaphosa spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said in terms of the Constitution, the National Prosecuting Authority Act and the rules of natural justice, an inquiry into allegations made against any Director of Public Prosecutions, should be conducted fairly and impartially.

He explained that in consultation with the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi, the inquiry chairperson will determine the seat of the inquiry as well as the rules of procedure.

Magwenya said at the end of the enquiry the chairperson will submit a report to the President.