Civil society watchdog says formal complaint against Judge Phahlane sets ‘precedent’

Civil society watchdog Judge Matters says the formal complaint accusing Judge Portia Phahlane of corruption is significant and sets the precedent.

It was confirmed that Gauteng High Court Acting Judge President Ledwaba laid a formal complaint with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on Friday.

“It is the very first time that we have had a complaint of corruption against a judge. That alone is a precedent,” said Mbekezeli Benjamin, researcher at Judge Matters.

RELATED: Judicial Conduct Committee to probe complaint against corruption-accused Judge Phahlane

Benjamin explained that the complaint is now under process.

“The complaint will go to the Judicial Conduct Committee, and the JCC must receive statements from both Judge Phahlane and Judge Ledwaba as the complainant [by next Friday].”

The committee will then make a recommendation for the appointment of a tribunal to handle the case.

To listen to Benjamin in conversation with CapeTalk and 702’s Mandy Wiener, click the audio player below: