Question NW1814 to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
17 July 2023 - NW1814
Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Whether, in a further follow-up to his reply to question 1789 on 21 October 2021, any progress has been made with the disciplinary hearing against the suspended KwaZulu-Natal Regional Court President, Mr Eric Nzimande, which began in 2018; if not, why not; if so, what was the finding; (2) Whether he will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
(1) As stated in my previous reply, the Magistrates Commission has encountered a number of challenges in finalizing the appointment of a Presiding Officer (PO) and Persons Leading the Evidence (PLEs). However, it was stated in our last reply that the issue of the evidence leaders (PLEs) has been resolved. The Magistrates Commission has since resolved that as Mr Nzimande is a Regional Court President, that a retired Judge should be appointed as Presiding Officer due to the rank and seniority of the magistrate involved. A retired Judge has been identified and he has indicated his willingness to preside over the disciplinary hearing.
(2) No. As the Magistrates Commission is an independent statutory body, any requests for statements on Mr Nzimande’s matter should be referred to the Secretary of the Magistrates Commission.