MK party urges Judge Makamu to step aside as tribunal probe proceeds

The MK party has demanded that Gauteng High Court Judge Mudunwazi Samuel Makamu step aside voluntarily from the bench while a Judicial Conduct Tribunal investigates allegations of corruption, gross misconduct and interference with an appeal arising from his own judgment.

Complaint and tribunal referral

The demand follows a complaint lodged by businessman and attorney Bouwe Wiersma in August 2025. The Judicial Conduct Committee (JCC) referred the complaint to a formal tribunal after concluding the allegations, if proven, could amount to gross misconduct.

Wiersma alleged that Makamu requested money to grant leave to appeal an eviction order. According to the complaint, Makamu allegedly called Wiersma shortly after granting an eviction order against him in July 2025, described the judgment as unjust, encouraged an appeal and offered assistance in securing a favourable outcome.

Allegations about legal representatives and payment

The complaint says Makamu allegedly recommended legal representatives and later confirmed that an application for leave to appeal had been set down. Wiersma further claims he made a payment into a Capitec account believed to be linked to the judge’s family, with references suggesting a connection to family savings and the appeal. The application was ultimately dismissed.

Responses and inconsistencies

Judge Makamu has denied the allegations, stating he never communicated with Wiersma before or after the judgment and never solicited payment.

The JCC noted inconsistencies in the complaint but ruled the matter too serious to be dismissed as trivial and referred it to a tribunal for formal inquiry.

MK party reaction

MK party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu said Makamu must step aside, face the tribunal and clear his name.

“Allegations of this nature strike at the very credibility of the judiciary. No judge should continue exercising authority while under formal investigation for alleged corruption and interference with an appeal.”

“We call for the Tribunal process to be conducted independently, transparently and without fear or favour. This investigation gives Judge Makamu the opportunity to clear his name, but if misconduct is proven, it must attract the appropriate consequences.”

What comes next

The matter has been referred to a Judicial Conduct Tribunal, which deals with complaints of gross judicial misconduct and can recommend sanctions if allegations are substantiated.