Cape Town — The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has advised President Cyril Ramaphosa to suspend Judges Tshifhiwa Maumela and Nomonde Mngqibisa-Thusi after the JSC received complaints about the judges’ failure to deliver numerous reserved judgments.
“The JSC decided that the failure to deliver the reserved judgments, if established, will prima facie indicate incapacity, gross incompetence or gross misconduct, on the part of the Judges, taking into account the extent of the delay and the prejudice suffered by the parties.
“The JSC has decided to request that the chief justice appoint a Judicial Conduct Tribunal to consider the complaints.
“…Due to the seriousness of the complaints, the JSC has also decided to advise the president it is desirable that judges Maumela and Mngqibisa-Thusi be placed on suspension pending the outcome of the tribunal processes with certain conditions, including that the judges must, during the period of suspension, finalise all matters presently before them.”
The JSC added that the Chief Justice will appoint a Judicial Conduct Tribunal to consider the complaints and advise the President on its decision.
It also advised Ramaphosa to place Maumela and Mngqibisa-Thusi on suspension pending the outcome of the Tribunal.
MEDIA STATEMENT: Judicial Service Commission’s Decisions on Complaints Involving Judges Maumela And Mngqibisa-Thusi of the Gauteng Division of the High Court, 28 April 2023 pic.twitter.com/9t77q5CKHs
— RSAJudiciary (@OCJ_RSA) April 28, 2023
Maumela has been the presiding judge over the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial.
#SenzoMeyiwatrial It’s understood that Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela is accused of failing to deliver a series of judgements within a reasonable period defined in the judicial Norms and Standards, some going as far back as 2018. @ewnreporter https://t.co/8RkxrpuhXc
— Kgomotso? (@motso_modise) April 28, 2023
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Compiled by Junaid Benjamin
