‘Disrespectful’ remark, past debt and suspension haunt attorney during JSC interviews

A CANDIDATE vying to fill one of the vacancies in the KwaZulu Natal Division of the High Court drew the ire of Justice Mandisa Maya for referring to a female who had lodged a complaint against him, as “that woman”.

- ZELDA VENTER

This happened when the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) interviewed attorney, Malizo Gwagwa who was questioned about a complaint by the sister of a deceased who claimed that he did not comply with his legal obligations in finalising the estate of the deceased.

Gwagwa apologised and explained he could not recall her name. He added that he did respect women and he did not mean his reference to her as “that woman” be disrespectful.

But he was grilled further when it came about through questions from Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, that he was suspended from practising by a court on allegations of misconduct.