By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Judge Aubrey Phago Ledwaba has been shortlisted to be interviewed for the Gauteng High Court Judge President vacancy, despite bribery allegations against him.
The position of Judge President of the Gauteng High Court is vacant following the elevation of Judge Dunstan Mlambo to Deputy Chief Justice in August 2025.
Ledwaba was implicated in testimony before the Madlanga Commission Inquiry for receiving bribes to grant the alleged underworld kingpin Katiso “KT” Molefe bail.
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.
Ledwaba denied the allegations.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on Tuesday released its list of shortlisted candidates for judicial appointments, confirming that Ledwaba is the sole candidate shortlisted for the Gauteng High Court Judge President vacancy.
According to the JSC, interviews are scheduled to take place from April 13 to April 17, 2026.
He has also previously indicated his intention to appear before the commission to present his version of events.
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is investigating allegations of collusion and corruption between politicians, senior police, prosecutors, intelligence operatives, and elements of the judiciary.
Members of the public and legal bodies have until March 12, 2026 to submit comments on the suitability of shortlisted candidates.
Ledwaba holds a BProc from the University of Limpopo which he obtained in 1984. He worked as a state prosecutor before serving his articles and eventual set up his own firm of attorneys which he ran for almost two decades prior to his appointment to the Gauteng High Court in 2005.