Ex-Chief Justice Mogoeng could face impeachment over claims of misconduct
This is linked to a complaint by impeached Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe, in which he accuses Mogoeng of violating his oath of office by having a private meeting with then-Deputy Judge President Patricia Goliath, where he allegedly encouraged her to file a complaint against him.
FILE: Former Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng. Picture: EWN
JOHANNESBURG - Former Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng could face possible impeachment following a recommendation by the Judicial Conduct Committee for an investigation into allegations of gross misconduct against him.
This is linked to a complaint by impeached Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe, in which he accuses Mogoeng of violating his oath of office by having a private meeting with then-Deputy Judge President Patricia Goliath, where he allegedly encouraged her to file a complaint against him.
Hlophe claims Mogoeng violated his oath when he went on to preside over that complaint against him.
A ruling by the Judicial Conduct Committee said that Mogoeng had denied the allegations by Hlophe, saying he had not produced any evidence to support his allegations.
He said that his meeting with Hlophe's deputy at the time, Goliath, was not a secret but was held in the normal course of executing his judicial leadership responsibilities and was immersed in integrity.
The committee, led by Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, said it had to consider whether, if established, the complaint against Mogoeng indicates incapacity, gross incompetence, or gross misconduct on his part.
It said that the Judicial Service Tribunal was the only forum that had the jurisdiction to investigate such complaints.
The committee said the allegations against Mogoeng may bring the judiciary into disrepute and has recommended to the Judicial Service Commission that they be investigated and reported on by a tribunal.