R2.5m bribe storm hits judiciary – MKP calls for action

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has expressed serious concern over allegations that Acting Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court, Judge Aubrey Ledwaba, was paid R2.5 million to grant bail to alleged crime kingpin Katiso “KT” Molefe.

The claims surfaced during proceedings at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where an investigator reportedly alleged that Judge Ledwaba may have been bribed to influence the outcome of Molefe’s case.

Molefe was arrested in December last year for the murder of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart and was released on R100,000 bail in June. He was rearrested in August after being implicated in the murders of Tshwane DJs Oupa “DJ Sumbody” Sefoka and Hector “DJ Vintos” Buthelezi. Still, he was again granted bail of R400,000 last week.

MKP spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said corruption and bias within South Africa’s judiciary undermine the country’s democracy and cast doubt on the legitimacy of the Madlanga Commission itself.

“Despite the dismissal of our earlier concern, several Constitutional and High Court judges, the MK Party’s position — that appointing a member of the judiciary to investigate allegations of judicial capture was unconstitutional and improper — has now been vindicated,” said Ndhlela. “It has been reported that Judge Ledwaba now seeks to testify before his colleague, Judge Madlanga, in an attempt to clear his name.

This is precisely the conflict of interest the MK Party cautioned against several months ago.” Ndhlela added that the party is still awaiting a hearing date for its application challenging the establishment of the Madlanga Commission. The MKP further condemned Judge LeLedwaba’s reported refusal to take special leave as directed by Chief Justice Mandisa Maya and called on him to comply immediately.

“If he fails to do so, we will lodge a formal complaint with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) under Section 177(3) of the Constitution to have him suspended pending an investigation,” Ndhlela warned.

The party also renewed its call for comprehensive-style audits for all members of the judiciary. It urged the implementation of decisive measures to restore public confidence, root out corruption, and ensure the fair application of the rule of law.