Judges chosen for tribunal
SOME of the country’s top judges were hand-picked to serve on a special tribunal on corruption, fraud, and illicit money flows.
On Friday, the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola, said he welcomed this “critical mechanism” into the anti-corruption arena.
The tribunal, to be chaired by Judge Gidfonia Mlindelwa Makhanya, has a statutory mandate to recover public funds siphoned from state coffers through corruption, fraud, and illicit money flows.
Judges Icantharuby Pillay and Siraj Desai were also chosen.
Judge Desai presided over the triple murder trial of Henri Van Breda. He is also the former chairperson of the National Council for Correctional Services, where he served 14 years.
In 1996, Judge Desai took up the role of deputy chair for the Foundation for Human Rights in South Africa. He is also a founding member of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers.
Other judges are Johannes Eksteen, Selewe Peter Mothle, Lebogang Modiba, Thina Siwendu, and David van Zyl.
The approach of special tribunals, such as this one, is more flexible and expeditious regarding legal actions.
Its proceedings are inquisitorial in nature and characterised by extensive pre-trial investigations.
David Lewis, the executive director of Corruption Watch, said the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), under the leadership of advocate Andy Mothibi, was taking shape as one of the leading organisations tackling corruption in the country.
“This tribunal will significantly advance efforts by the SIU to combat corruption by providing an expeditious mechanism that will ensure the return of the ill-gotten gains acquired by those who have looted public resources.
“This will send a strong signal to the public that those responsible will finally face the music,” said Lewis.