A statement put out by the Office of the Chief Justice noted with “serious concern” the comments made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, that called into question the “independence and integrity of our courts”.
The courts, the statement emphasised, are “a fundamental pillar of our constitutional democracy”.
It stated that Mkhwanazi was making these comments without substantiation. Judicial officers took oaths of office that required them to defend the Constitution and to act with impartiality.
“As such, any suggestion of impropriety within the Judiciary is treated with the utmost gravity.”
To address this, the Acting Secretary-General of the Office of the Chief Justice requested Mkhwanazi to provide evidence for his allegations and to lodge complaints with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the Magistrates Commission. “Both institutions have well established mechanisms to address allegations of misconduct, ensuring due process and fairness.”
Justice Mandisa Maya commented: “The Judiciary stands firm in its commitment to accountability and the rule of law. If any person, including Lt Gen Mkhwanazi, has credible evidence of unlawful or unethical conduct committed by a member of the Judiciary, they are urged to report such matters to the legally mandated structures of the State. Unsubstantiated allegations, however, regrettably undermine the administration of justice and weaken public trust in our institutions which are essential to upholding our constitutional democracy.”
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