uMkhonto weSizwe Party demands lifestyle audits for judges amid corruption allegations

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has intensified its demand for lifestyle audits for judges and prosecutors in the wake of serious allegations of corruption impacting the South African judiciary.

This renewed call comes in light of revelations made by Witness A during his testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria earlier this week, implicating the Acting Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court, Judge Aubrey Ledwaba.

Judge Ledwaba has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, specifically denying any financial transactions with implicated figures.

However, the MK Party’s consistent warnings about corruption and bias within the judicial system have been highlighted by these latest developments.

In a statement, the party articulated that "corruption and bias threaten the very integrity of our democracy."

Despite earlier dismissals of the MK Party’s concerns by various judges from the Constitutional Court and High Court, the recent events have seemingly validated the party’s position that the appointment of a member of the judiciary to investigate allegations of judicial capture is both "unconstitutional and improper."

It has been reported that Judge Ledwaba was now seeking to testify before his colleague, Judge Madlanga, as part of his efforts to clear his name.

The MK Party has expressed concern about this situation, labelling it a conflict of interest they had cautioned against months prior.

Ironically, the MK Party was still awaiting a hearing date from Judge Ledwaba regarding their application, which challenges the establishment of the Madlanga Commission, which they believed lacked proper judicial oversight.

The party further noted Judge Ledwaba's previous involvement in sealing documents that may have shielded President Cyril Ramaphosa from accountability regarding the controversial CR17 bank statements.

In a statement from judicial watchdog Mbekezeli Benjamin, there was a call for Judge Ledwaba to take a step back from his duties until the allegations have been fully cleared.

He emphasised that the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) can only investigate allegations that are substantiated with evidence, which currently appears to be lacking.

Chief Justice Mandisa Maya acknowledged that while allegations against Judge Ledwaba need to be assessed, the absence of formal complaints hampered the investigative process.

"We reiterate," she stressed, "that any person with evidence of a judge’s misconduct must promptly lodge a complaint."

The Chief Justice hinted that she has discussed the implications of the situation with Judge Ledwaba, including his possible special leave during the commission's investigations.

Judges Matter, an advocacy project aimed at maintaining transparency and accountability within the judiciary, echoed similar sentiments, urging witnesses to provide further supporting evidence to strengthen the allegations.

They suggested that both Judge Ledwaba and Chief Magistrate Vusi Mahlangu should voluntarily take special leave as a measure to preserve the integrity of the judiciary while investigations were ongoing.

"The longer these allegations linger, the greater the damage they inflict on the judiciary's integrity," Judges Matter remarked, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

Allegations concerning improprieties regarding bail grants involve key figures and underscore the urgent need for scrutiny in judicial operations.

As the controversy surrounding Judge Ledwaba unfolds, reports indicate he has refused to go on special leave, which the MK Party condemned, announcing intentions to lodge a formal complaint with the JSC.

"It is untenable for the busiest High Court in the country to be led by a judge facing such grave allegations,” the MK Party stated firmly.

The party has reiterated its stance against judicial commissions of inquiry led by judges to investigate their peers, viewing the arrangement as fundamentally conflicted.

It is calling for comprehensive lifestyle audits for all judges, to be publicly funded, to restore public confidence and ensure accountability within the judicial framework.

DAILY NEWS