Judicial corruption allegations rock Madlanga Commission

EXPLOSIVE testimony at the Madlanga Commission, with witnesses making serious allegations that elements within the judiciary may be compromised, has seen political parties demanding swift action.

- MASHUDU SADIKE

The allegations primarily revolve around alleged impropriety in bail proceedings in Gauteng courts, particularly in high-profile cases.

The Commission was established after KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in a July press conference made startling allegations about political interference in the police.

He then told the Commission that there was impropriety in Chief Magistrate Vusi Mahlangu granting bail conditions in a case involving General Dumisani Khumalo.

Two police detectives, Witness A and Witness B (their identities are protected by the Commission) gave testimony where they said they believed there was impropriety in Katlego "KT" Molefe's bail appeal, presided over by Acting Judge President Aubrey Ledwaba.

The detectives said crime intelligence had revealed that Molefe paid R2.5 million for bail to be granted and that payment was made to the judge and or the prosecutor.

The Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), through its president Jacob Zuma, has been vocal in its demand for accountability.

Zuma called for a lifestyle audit of judicial members and reiterated the party's commitment to supporting the work of the Parliamentary Ad-hoc Committee, which is also investigating allegations made by Mkhwanazi.