No corruption within judiciary – Mogoeng
MIDRAND – Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng said that anybody with proof that can save the South African democracy should come forward with real proof, instead of using social media platforms to lay false claims.
Members of the South African Judiciary held a media briefing in Midrand on 13 September to address allegations of corruption and state capture within the judiciary.
Addressing the media were Judge President Dunstan Mlambo, Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng and Judge President Cagney Musi.
Mogoeng said measures necessary to insulate judges from corruption and secure their independence were in place.
“I also said, and repeat, that it would take a thoroughly bad individual, completely bereft of ethics that apply to the organised legal profession and the judiciary, to embrace corruption.”
Mogoeng added that the allegations of corruption which were made on social media did not provide any proof, which proved that the claims were totally false.
“In the absence of concrete proof to the contrary, I believe my colleagues [are not corrupt]. Anybody with evidence to support these confidence damaging allegations that any judge is corrupt or has been captured must stop hiding behind fictional identities or names on media platforms.
“Please make your true identity and contact details are known to us, the South African public. Tell us which judge has been captured or corrupted and by whom.
“If money or any benefit was given, how much, when, and produce verifiable documentary or electronic proof to that effect?”
The Chief Justice said gratuitous allegations of corruption could only delegitimise the judiciary and impair the South African Constitution.
He concluded that his office had made plans to communicate with the National Commissioner of Police, General Khehla Sitole to use all the relevant capacities at his disposal to uncover the real forces behind these anonymous allegations of corruption or state capture against the judiciary.
