Cape Town – Judge Nkola Motata’s potential removal as the first judge in South Africa has progressed as Parliament confirms receiving a letter from Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.

“In the letter, Chief Justice Zondo apprises the Speaker, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, of the Judicial Conduct Tribunal’s determination that Judge Motata has been found guilty of Gross Misconduct in line with section 177(1)(a) of the Constitution. The Tribunal further recommended the invocation of section 177(1)(a) of the Constitution for potential removal,” reads a statement from Parliament, according to News24.

The case centers around Judge Motata’s behaviour following a drunk driving incident that occurred 16 years ago, during which he was found to have made racist and sexist remarks.

JUST IN:
The SCA today ruled that the Judicial Services Commission was wrong to only find Judge Nkola Motata guilty of misconduct and not gross misconduct. The judge’s ‘drunk’ and ‘racist’ rant could now lead to his impeachment. https://t.co/BZDvDlF1ZZ pic.twitter.com/C01CWzLrjB

— Ismail Abramjee (@IsmailAbramjee) June 22, 2023

The Speaker of Parliament will refer this matter to the justice and correctional services committee for review, and the committee will then provide recommendations to the National Assembly.

“The committee will assess the contents of the correspondence, including relevant supporting material, to formulate recommendations for the consideration of the National Assembly,” the letter from Zondo said, according to Times Live.

The Supreme Court of Appeal had previously ruled that Judge Motata’s actions warranted impeachment proceedings in parliament.

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Picture: Twitter/@IsmailAbramjee

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu