Judge Aubrey Ledwaba Denies Taking R2.5 Million Bribe to Release Alleged Crime Boss ‘KT’ Molefe on Bail

Judge Ledwaba Denies Taking R2.5 Million Bribe to Release Alleged Crime Boss ‘KT’ Molefe on Bail

Acting Judge President Aubrey Ledwaba has firmly denied allegations that he accepted a R2.5 million bribe to grant bail to alleged crime kingpin Katiso “KT” Molefe, a man accused of orchestrating the murder of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart a victim said to have been killed in a tragic case of mistaken identity.

The explosive claim emerged during testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, shaking public confidence in the judiciary and sparking heated debate about integrity within South Africa’s legal institutions.

The Allegation That Sparked the Storm

According to testimony delivered on 21 October, a witness identified only as “Witness A” told the commission he heard from an informer that a R2.5 million fund had been set aside to “secure bail” for Molefe.

However, the witness admitted he did not know whether the alleged payment was meant for Judge Ledwaba or the Public Prosecutor, leaving the claim as unverified hearsay.

Despite this uncertainty, the allegation quickly went viral online, with many South Africans expressing frustration over what they see as recurring whispers of corruption in the justice system.

“If our judges can be bought, what hope do ordinary South Africans have for justice?” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter).
Others urged caution, warning against a “trial by social media” before any evidence is tested.

Chief Justice Maya Calls for Calm and Due Process

Chief Justice Mandisa Maya swiftly responded to the brewing controversy, reminding the public that the allegation “is yet to be tested and proved” and stressing the danger such claims pose to the credibility of the judiciary.

In a strongly worded statement, she reiterated the judiciary’s consistent stance:

“Anyone who has evidence of a judge’s misconduct must promptly lodge a complaint with the Judicial Conduct Committee (JCC) of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).”

Maya confirmed that no formal complaint on oath has been filed in this case meaning no official disciplinary process has yet been triggered.

She also revealed she had discussed the matter with Judge Ledwaba, even considering special leave while the Madlanga Commission continues its work. However, Ledwaba declined, asserting his innocence and his right to continue serving.

Ledwaba: “I Will Clear My Name”

The Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) confirmed that Judge Ledwaba denies receiving any money related to Molefe’s bail.

“He has indicated that he is seeking legal advice and wishes to give his side of the story before the Madlanga Commission,” the OCJ said.

Ledwaba reportedly told colleagues that while the accusation is baseless, he welcomes the opportunity to confront it publicly, rather than step aside.

The judiciary, in turn, reaffirmed its “commitment to act decisively” should any judge be found guilty of misconduct,  but emphasized the need for facts, not speculation.

KT Molefe: A Case That Keeps Making Headlines

Katiso “KT” Molefe’s name has long been synonymous with organized crime in Gauteng’s underworld. His arrest earlier this year for the murder of 34-year-old engineer Armand Swart stunned the community of Vereeniging.

Swart was reportedly killed in a case of mistaken identity, an error that fueled outrage and intensified scrutiny of Molefe’s alleged criminal network.

After being denied bail by the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court in August, Molefe appealed the decision. In June, the North Gauteng High Court granted him bail of R100,000, later increased to R400,000 following a successful appeal earlier this month.

His release reignited public anger, especially among Swart’s family and residents of Vereeniging who feel justice has been elusive.

What This Means for South Africa’s Judiciary

The allegations against Ledwaba, though unproven, come at a delicate moment for South Africa’s justice system one still recovering from years of political interference, corruption scandals, and declining public trust.

Legal experts warn that if the commission confirms wrongdoing, it could further erode confidence in the judiciary’s independence. However, if the claim proves baseless, it will serve as a cautionary tale about how untested testimony can damage reputations in the age of viral outrage.

As one senior legal analyst put it:

“The judiciary’s strength lies not in its perfection, but in its accountability. What matters now is whether truth and transparency win out.”

A Test of Trust

For now, Judge Ledwaba continues to serve, determined to defend his name before the commission. Chief Justice Maya’s insistence on process over public panic may be the judiciary’s best defense against a growing tide of skepticism.

But for ordinary South Africans watching this saga unfold, one question lingers:
If the bench itself is under suspicion, who can the people trust to deliver justice?

{Source: The Citizen}

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