By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Acting Judge President Aubrey Ledwaba has denied receiving bribe from the controversial businessman and murder-accused Katiso ‘KT’ Molefe.
This follows a testimony by Witness A, who told Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that Molefe paid R2.5 million in bribes to secure his release on bail — despite facing multiple murder charges and a dark 20-year past abroad involving a fake passport, a gun, and drugs.
Molefe was arrested for the murder of Armand Swart, a Vereeniging engineer who was killed in a case of mistaken identity.
The detective, whose identity is being protected, is investigating the murder case of Swart.
Witness B also told the Commission that she is of the view that Ledwaba’s decision to grant Molefe bail was premeditated.
“In June 2025, the matter was heard at the Gauteng North High Court in Pretoria, the presiding officer was the Acting Judge President Ledwaba. During the hearing, I was very uncomfortable with what was transpiring; in particular, it felt to me that the Judge had already predetermined the matter.
“Although this is not uncommon, it seemed that he was intent on giving Molefe, who is accused of very serious offences, lenient bail conditions,” Witness B said.
Molefe was eventually released on bail.
Molefe is also been linked to the high-profile murders of Oupa “DJ Sumbody” Sefoka and Hector “DJ Vintos” Buthelezi.
Two weeks ago, the Johannesburg High Court granted him bail of R400,000 — a ruling that shocked investigators.
In a statement released on Thursday night, Chief Justice Mandisa Maya said she had approached Ledwaba with the intention of placing him on special leave.
“The process of the JSC [Judicial Service Commission] is triggered by a formal complaint on oath, which has not been done in this case.
“[I have], however, discussed the matter with Ledwaba, including the possibility of granting him special leave pending finalisation of the Madlanga commission.”
“Ledwaba, who denies receiving any money to grant Molefe bail, has indicated he will not take special leave, which a judge may not be forced to take and applies for voluntarily. He has also indicated he is seeking legal advice and expressed a wish to be afforded an opportunity to give his side of the story at the Madlanga commission.”
“Maya said in response to Witness B’s testimony that it was “an allegation yet to be tested and proved at this stage”, but that it “still has the potential of damaging the integrity of the judiciary, and we reiterate a plea…that any person who has evidence of a judge’s misconduct must promptly lodge a complaint against that judge with the judicial conduct committee of the Judicial Service Commission.”
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is investigating allegations of collusion and corruption between politicians, senior police, prosecutors, intelligence operatives, and elements of the judiciary.