[MEDIA STATEMENT] Investigation into Mr Abramjee’s SMS

2 June 2022

Media Statement

Investigation into Mr Abramjee’s SMS

The Chief Justice has become aware of statements made by the Public Protector to the media recently to the effect that:

(a) she has closed an investigation that she was conducting into Mr Abramjee’s SMS;

(b) during her investigation into Mr Abramjee’s SMS she obtained certain cellphone records relating to numbers linked to Justice Kollapen and Justice Mlambo; and

(c) she has forwarded information obtained through her investigation to the Hawks and the Judicial Service Commission.

The Chief Justice wishes to indicate that the investigation that he initiated regarding Mr Abramjee’s SMS is close to completion. It is contemplated that it will be completed by the end of next week or in a few days thereafter. The outcome will be made public.

The Chief Justice also wishes to indicate that, within days after Mr Abramjee’s SMS saga had arisen, Justice Kollapen informed the Chief Justice and other Justices of the Constitutional Court that he had known Mr Abramjee for many years and they live in the same area. He also informed the Chief Justice and other Justices of the Constitutional Court that he and Mr Abramjee are members of the Pretoria Legacy Foundation and that he and Mr Abramjee do interact with each other, including by calling each other. He also pointed out that Mr Abramjee also attended a function sometime in March this year which was organised by the Pretoria Legacy Foundation in his (Justice Kollapen’s) honour. Justice Mlambo informed the Chief Justice and other Justices of the Constitutional Court that he, too, attended the function that was organised in honour of Justice Kollapen which Mr Abramjee also attended. He said that he was meeting Mr Abramjee for the first time in that function and has never met him thereafter. Both Justices also stated that they never disclosed to Mr Abramjee any confidential information concerning any case at the Court.

Ends.

Issued by the Office of the Chief Justice

Media enquiries:

Ms. Lusanda D. Ntuli

Deputy Director: Communications

T: 010 493 2520 C: 0836035638 E: LNtuli@judiciary.org.za