Inquiry into Alleged Misconduct of Magistrates: Progress Report by Department of Justice

Meeting report

SECURITY AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS THE SELECT COMMITTEE
20 June 2007
INQUIRY INTO ALLEGED MISCONDUCT OF MAGISTRATES: PROGRESS REPORT BY DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Acting Chairperson: Mr S Shiceka (ANC, Gauteng)

Documents handed out
Progress Report on Inquiry into alleged misconduct of Magistrate M Chauke
Progress Report on Inquiry into alleged misconduct of Magistrate M Makamu

Audio Recording of the Meeting

MINUTES
Progress Reports on Alleged Misconduct of Magistrates
The Acting Chairperson voiced his concern at the slow pace of proceedings in both cases, and requested Mr J Labuschagne, Department of Justice, to proceed with the Report.

Magistrate M Chauke
Mr Labuschagne presented a very brief Report with regards to the case of Magistrate M Chauke. Technically the inquiry had not yet commenced, but the Committee was assured that work was still in progress. The matter would be further raised in the House.

Magistrate M Makamu
Mr Labuschagne reported that Magistrate M Makamu had been found guilty, but had then appealed the decision against him. Tension was created around the issue of salaries after Magistrate Makamu was found guilty. He suggested, in conclusion, that there were weaknesses within the labour law system when it came to retrenchments.

Discussion
The Chairperson opened the floor to discussion, but there were no questions from Members. He informed the Committee that it was due to present to the House on these two cases. He thanked all present at the meeting and adjourned the meeting.