News24 | Ledwaba sole candidate for Gauteng judge president despite corruption claims

Acting Judge President Aubrey Ledwaba has been shortlisted as the only candidate for Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court.

• Acting Judge President Aubrey Ledwaba has been shortlisted as the only candidate for Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court.
• The shortlisting comes amid corruption allegations raised at the Madlanga Commission.
• Ledwaba faces allegations linked to his decision to grant R100 000 bail to alleged underworld figure Katiso “KT” Molefe, but he has strongly denied the claims.

Acting Judge President Aubrey Ledwaba has been shortlisted for the role of Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court.

In a statement by the Office of the Chief Justice, it was confirmed that he is the only shortlisted candidate for the position. This is despite allegations of corruption recently emerging at the Madlanga Commission.

Ledwaba faces allegations of corruption after granting R100 000 bail to alleged underworld figure Katiso “KT” Molefe, who is charged with the premeditated murder of engineer Armand Swart.

Witnesses at the Madlanga Commission claimed a multimillion-rand payment was allegedly made to influence the bail decision. Ledwaba has strongly denied the accusations, calling them unfounded and harmful to the judiciary’s integrity.

Witness A testified that informers alleged Molefe paid R2.5 million to secure bail, although no proof has yet been submitted.

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Witness B criticised Ledwaba’s decision, describing the bail conditions as questionable, particularly the removal of the requirement for Molefe to report to a police station. She also expressed discomfort with the proceedings, suggesting the outcome appeared predetermined.

Critics, including legal analyst Mbekezeli Benjamin, described Ledwaba’s judgment as poorly reasoned, but noted this does not prove impropriety.

Ledwaba has declined special leave, opting to defend himself before the commission.

Candidates have been shortlisted for roles at the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), Land Court, Competition Appeal Court, Western Cape High Court, and Eastern Cape High Court.

Shortlisted candidates for three roles at the SCA include Judge Gerald Hercules Bloem, Judge Nkosinathi Emmanuel Chili, Judge Thandi Victoria Norman, Judge Esther Johanna Sophia Steyn, Judge Bashier Vally, and Judge Leonie Windell.

Diana Mabasa and Advocate Mzokhulayo Maxwell Mthembu have been shortlisted for the single vacancy at the Land Court, while Judge Evette Fiona Dippenaar has been shortlisted for the Competition Appeal Court.