[MEDIA STATEMENT] Free State Judge should step down immediately

Judges Matter calls for Free State judge charged in Specialised Commercial Crimes Court to step down immediately

Judges Matter, the civil society organisation that monitors the judiciary in South Africa, has noted with shock the statement released by the South African Police Service confirming that a Free State High Court judge has been served with a summons to appear before the Specialised Commercialised Crimes Court on fraud and money laundering charges. Read more here.

…he is bound by the judicial code of ethics, which requires judges to always behave honorably and in a manner befitting judicial office.

Alison Tilley, Judges Matter co-ordinator says:
“We are deeply shocked and very concerned at this turn of events. While the judge is innocent until proved guilty by criminal law standards, he is bound by the judicial code of ethics, which requires judges to always behave honorably and in a manner befitting judicial office. Being named in criminal charges such as these brings the judiciary into disrepute, and is not compatible with the office of a judge. We call for his stepping aside until these charges are resolved”

About Judges Matter:
Judges Matter is a civil society project dedicated to monitoring the South African judiciary. Through applied research and advocacy, Judges Matter monitors the appointment of judges, their discipline for misconduct, and how the judiciary is governed and administered.

Contact:
Alison Tilley
Judges Matter co-ordinator
alison@judgesmatter.co.za