Tribunal probing gross misconduct allegations against Judge Makhubele once again halted

JOHANNESBURG - The Judicial Conduct Tribunal probing allegations of gross misconduct against Judge Tintswalo Makhubele has once again been halted.

The tribunal, which began last February, is looking into allegations that Makhubele undermined the independence of the judiciary by sitting as a judge and chair of the interim board of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) at the same time. 

She was also allegedly involved in dodgy dealings during her tenure at the parastatal.

Evidence leader, Advocate Elaine Zungu, wrapped up her case some time ago and it’s now Makhubele’s turn to present hers but issues around her legal representation are holding up the proceedings.

The tribunal last sat on Monday, when Makhubele requested another postponement but was refused as much, and given only until Wednesday to “sort out her position”.

When the matter resumed on Wednesday, the tribunal heard that Makhubele had decided to approach the courts on an urgent basis in a bid to interdict the proceedings from going ahead.

In the interim, she again asked for a postponement. She was again refused.

The tribunal did agree to stand the matter down until Thursday morning to give Makhubele a chance to prepare before taking the stand, unrepresented.