Judge Aubrey Ledwaba, Acting Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court, has formally requested to appear before the Madlanga Commission. This follows serious allegations that he received a R2.5 million bribe to grant bail to alleged crime syndicate leader Katiso “KT” Molefe.
The accusation surfaced on 21 October 2025 during testimony by an anonymous witness known as “Witness A.” The witness claimed to have received second-hand information that a large sum was earmarked to secure Molefe’s release.
Importantly, the witness could not confirm whether the alleged payment was meant for Judge Ledwaba or the public prosecutor.
Read more: Mkhwanazi Retracts Allegations Against Police Minister Bheki Cele for updates on the unfolding testimony at the Madlanga Commission.
Madlanga Commission Probes Interference in Justice System
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System was established to uncover deep-rooted problems within South Africa’s law enforcement and judiciary.
Judge Ledwaba’s request to testify comes amid mounting pressure on judicial officers to defend their integrity. He denies any involvement in wrongdoing and has expressed a strong desire to give his side of the story under oath.
“He has indicated that 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,”
— Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ)
Chief Justice Maya: Allegation Remains Untested
Chief Justice Mandisa Maya has responded to the allegations with caution. In an official statement, she reiterated that the claim has not yet been tested or proven.
She stressed that no formal complaint has been filed with the Judicial Conduct Committee (JCC), which would be required to trigger an investigation.
“The process of the JSC is triggered by a formal complaint on oath, which has not been done in this case,”
— Chief Justice Mandisa Maya.
KT Molefe’s Bail Timeline and Murder Charge
KT Molefe is currently out on bail following his arrest for the murder of Armand Swart, a Vereeniging engineer. Swart was reportedly killed in a case of mistaken identity linked to organised crime.
Discover how investigators connected KT Molefe to the engineer’s death in Armand Swart Murder: How Investigators Linked Katiso Molefe to the Case.
Molefe’s bail process has been controversial:
- 20 August 2025: Bail denied in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court.
- June 2025: Molefe wins R100,000 bail from the North Gauteng High Court.
- October 2025: Additional R400,000 bail granted on appeal.
The size and sequence of the bail amounts raised concerns, prompting scrutiny of the court’s decision-making.
Judge Ledwaba Denies Bribery and Refuses Special Leave
The Office of the Chief Justice confirmed that Judge Ledwaba denies accepting any money in relation to Molefe’s bail. Despite discussions with the Chief Justice, he has refused to take special leave.
Special leave is voluntary and cannot be imposed without consent. Judge Ledwaba maintains that his rulings were based on legal merit.
“He has denied receiving any money to grant Molefe bail and has indicated he will not take special leave,”
— OCJ
Legal Experts Warn Against Trial by Allegation
Legal commentators have warned against damaging a judge’s reputation based on unverified claims. While the judiciary supports full transparency, it also requires due process to protect judicial independence.
The judiciary has urged those with evidence of misconduct to lodge a formal complaint.
What Happens Next?
The Madlanga Commission is expected to consider Judge Ledwaba’s request to testify in the coming days. If accepted, his testimony could clarify whether his decision in the KT Molefe bail case was influenced by external pressure.
In the meantime, the Commission continues to hear explosive testimony revealing corruption, political interference, and systemic failure in South Africa’s criminal justice system.
Learn what led to KT Molefe’s arrest in 2024 in Witness A Reveals Details of Katiso Molefe’s 2024 Arrest at Madlanga Commission.
The claims against Judge Ledwaba, though unproven, have spotlighted the critical role of judicial accountability. His firm denial and request to appear before the Commission reflect a judiciary under intense public and institutional scrutiny.
This case also raises broader questions about how the courts handle high-profile bail applications in politically sensitive cases like that of KT Molefe.
