Question NW1507 to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
25 May 2022 - NW1507
Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Whether, with reference to his reply to question 1789 on 21 October 2021, any progress has been made with the disciplinary hearing against the KwaZulu-Natal Regional Court President, Mr Eric Nzimande, in 2018; if not, why not; if so, what was the finding; 2) whether he will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
1. I have been informed by the Magistrates Commission that its Executive Committee (EXCO) resolved to appoint two (2) private practitioners to lead the evidence on behalf of the Commission. This resolution was taken with consideration of the duration of the hearing/inquiry, and the fact that if magistrates were to lead the evidence, those magistrates would have to be replaced in their courts. The two private practitioners were duly appointed as Persons to Lead the Evidence (PLEs) on 23 September 2021.
I have further been informed that dates have been proposed for early in the 2nd half of 2022 to commence with the Inquiry.
2. No. The Magistrates Commission is an independent statutory body and any requests for statements should be referred to the Chairperson of the Magistrates Commission.