Closing arguments in Judge Tintswalo Makhubele tribunal to be heard until Wednesday
Makhubele stands accused of undermining the independence of the judiciary by occupying the positions of judge and chair of the interim PRASA board at the same time.
Judge Tintswalo Annah Nana Makhubele has continuously attempted to delay a hearing by the Judicial Conduct Tribunal. Picture: Masego Mafata/GroundUp
JOHANNESBURG - Embattled Gauteng High Court Judge Tintswalo Makhubele’s judicial conduct tribunal is expected to resume again on Monday.
Makhubele stands accused of undermining the independence of the judiciary by occupying the positions of judge and chair of the interim Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) board at the same time.
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She is also accused of meddling in the parastatal’s legal affairs during her time there, and engaging in conduct unbecoming of her office.
Evidence leaders wrapped up their case last year, and Makhubele has now concluded hers too.
Closing arguments are set to kick off on Monday and span over three days, until Wednesday.
The evidence leaders are expected to present theirs first.
This will likely be followed by lobby group Unite Behind, which is the complainant in the matter, and then Makhubele.
The tribunal will then have to adjourn to deliberate before coming to a decision.
If found guilty, Makhubele could face impeachment by the National Assembly, like former Western Cape President John Hlophe and retired Gauteng Judge Nkola Motata, who became the first judges in post-democratic South Africa to be unseated back in February.