Chief Justice Mandisa Maya has formally addressed serious bribery allegations against Acting Judge President Aubrey Ledwaba. These claims emerged during testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System....Click to Read More >>➤

A witness, identified only as “Witness A,” stated they learned from an informant that a R2.5 million payment was arranged to secure bail for alleged crime kingpin Katiso “KT” Molefe. The witness clarified they did not know if the money was intended for Ledwaba or a Public Prosecutor.

Allegation Remains Untested

In an official statement, Chief Justice Maya emphasized that this testimony is currently an unproven allegation. She acknowledged, however, that such claims can damage the integrity of the Judiciary, even before being verified.

Maya reiterated a standing request for anyone with evidence of judicial misconduct to file a formal complaint with the Judicial Conduct Committee (JCC) of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). She noted that no such sworn complaint has been lodged in this instance.

The Chief Justice confirmed she has discussed the matter with Ledwaba. This included the possibility of him taking special leave until the Madlanga Commission concludes its work.

Ledwaba Denies All Claims

The Judiciary’s statement reports that Acting Judge President Ledwaba has firmly denied receiving any money to grant Molefe bail. He has indicated he will not take special leave, a measure that is voluntary and cannot be forced upon a judge.

Ledwaba is reportedly seeking legal advice and has expressed his desire to present his side of the story directly to the Madlanga Commission. The Judiciary reaffirmed its duty to act swiftly if any judicial officer is found to have acted unlawfully or unethically.

Background on the KT Molefe Bail

Katiso “KT” Molefe was released on R400,000 bail earlier this month after a successful appeal. This amount is in addition to a separate R100,000 bail granted by the North Gauteng High Court in June.

Molefe had launched his appeal after the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court denied him bail on 20 August. He was arrested for the murder of Armand Swart, a Vereeniging engineer who was killed in a case of mistaken identity. The allegations surrounding his bail have brought intense scrutiny to this high-profile case. ...Click to Read More >>➤