By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) has instituted a forensic investigation into allegations that court officials are soliciting bribes in the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court in Mthatha, Eastern Cape.
This follows an investigation by the Southern Africa Accountability Journalism Project that has corroborated allegations of systemic corruption at the High Court in Mthatha.
Attorneys attempting to perform routine administrative functions at the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court in Mthatha allege that court officials are soliciting bribes – some as high as R15,000 – to do tasks that should be part of their normal jobs.
The allegations were first detailed in an anonymous December 2024 letter to the Eastern Cape’s Acting Judge President Zamani Nhlangulela and then Acting Deputy Judge President Bantubonke Tokota.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, neither judge responded to our requests for comment, which were first sent via email on 24 March. It is unclear what their response to the December 2024 letter was, and whether they have taken action.
Chief Justice Mandisa Maya was copied in the query and her spokesperson, Lindokuhle Nkomonde, acknowledged receipt.
On Friday in a statement, the OCJ said, it has instituted a forensic investigation in line with the organisation’s Fraud Prevention and Anti-Corruption Policy, whilst working closely with relevant law enforcement agencies.
“Accordingly, the Department took a prudent approach to releasing specific details on its ongoing investigation to the media so as not to jeopardise any future legal processes or further investigations that may ensue. The OCJ reiterates that it is dependent on all stakeholders in the fight against fraud and corruption, including the media, to act in a manner that safeguards the integrity of the processing of legitimate complaints.”
“On Tuesday, 13 May 2025, Chief Justice Mandisa M L Maya will meet with the Acting Judge President of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court, Judge Z Nhlangulela, to receive a briefing and discuss expediting the roll-out of the Court Online System in the Division, read the statement.
“The OCJ reiterates its zero-tolerance approach to fraud and corruption. The organisation treats complaints on alleged acts of fraud and corruption with seriousness, urgency and sensitivity, to safeguard the integrity and legality of any processes that may unfold as guided by the Department’s Fraud Prevention and Anti-Corruption Policy.
“The OCJ appreciates the public interest generated by the perception of impropriety in the Mthatha High Court and is prepared to account fully and transparently to the public on this matter in due course.
The OCJ urges any person with information on alleged wrongdoing within the Department to report and provide the necessary evidence to the relevant authorities as can be found here: https://www.gov.za/anti-corruption/hotlines. Alternatively, a complaint may be laid directly with the OCJ as per the Department’s Policy on Complaints Management, which can be accessed here: https://www.judiciary.org.za/index.php/complaints/ocj-complaints,concluded the statement.