Staff Reporter
Chief Justice Mandisa Maya has warned that any corruption within South Africa’s judiciary must be exposed and punished, after the arrest of Gauteng High Court Judge Portia Phahlane on corruption charges.
Phahlane had been placed on special leave with immediate effect pending finalisation of proceedings, said Maya “while the process of her suspension from duty is being considered”.
“The Judiciary is the cornerstone of our constitutional democracy and any imputation of conduct that undermines its integrity and authority is treated with the utmost seriousness,” Maya said in a statement released late on Wednesday night.
She said Phahlane was entitled to the presumption of innocence and a fair court process, adding: “Thus, we must allow the independent legal process to run its course without prejudice or preconceived judgment”.
Phahlane, 57, and her son Kagiso, 32, appeared at the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Wednesday morning alongside co-accused Bhekumuzi
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