‘Ledwaba should be placed on special leave following allegations’

The judicial watchdog Judges Matter says given the seriousness of allegations against Gauteng Acting Judge President Aubrey Ledwaba, he should have been placed on special leave.

Ledwaba has denied allegations that he was paid R2.5million to secure the release of businessman and alleged criminal cartel member, Katiso ‘KT’ Molefe.

Witness A implicated Ledwaba in his testimony before the Madlanga Commissionn of Inquiry in Pretoria earlier this week. Ledwaba denies receiving any money from Molefe.

The judicial watchdog’s Mbekezeli Benjamin says, “In our view, it would have been prudent for Judge President to step back until these are cleared and then can resume his work. The judicial service commission act only kicks in when an allegation is made and substantiated with supporting information or evidence and that has to be done of affidavit.”

“Without it and without that information, the JSC Act cannot apply and the JSC cannot investigate those allegations. The crucial thing now is for the three witnesses who have testified the Madlanga commission to provide some sort of supporting information  – what they have provided is important but it’s not enough unfortunately,” he adds.

Madlanga Commission | Witness A testifies on criminal cartel claims