By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Judicial Services Commission (JSC) has recommended the establishment of a Judicial Conduct Tribunal to investigate a complaint against Judge LJ Lekale of the Free State Division of the High Court.
This follows a complaint by Judge President Cagney Musi, over Judge Lekale’s failure to carry out his judicial duties for a continuous period of six years, attributed to ill-health.
In a media statement dated 28 October 2025, the JSC resolved to uphold the recommendation, paving the way for the tribunal.
“The complaint was processed in terms of section 16(1)(a) of the JSC Act and was referred to the Judicial Conduct Committee (JCC) for determination on whether it should recommend to the Commission that a Judicial Conduct Tribunal (Tribunal) be established to investigate the complaint. Following a meeting of the JCC on 29 April 2025, held in terms of section 16(2) of the JSC Act, the JCC recommended to the Commission that a Tribunal be established to investigate the complaint.
The Commission resolved to uphold the recommendation of the JCC that the complaint lodged by Judge President Musi against Judge Lekale be investigated by a Judicial Conduct Tribunal.”
The tribunal’s findings could influence Judge Lekale’s future on the bench, with potential recommendations to the President for removal if incapacity is confirmed as permanent.