Ramaphosa suspends Judge Maumela – What does this mean for the Meyiwa trial?

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has confirmed that President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent letters of suspension to Presiding Judge in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial Tshifhiwa Maumela and Nomonde Mngqibisa-Thusi.

JUDGE TSHIFHIWA MAUMELA SUSPENDED

In April this year, the Judicial Service Commission recommended to President Ramaphosa that he suspend Maumela and Mngqibisa-Thusi, immediately pending the outcome of a Judicial Conduct Tribunal hearing. The judges failed to deliver their judgments timeously.

Both complaints were laid by Judge President Dunstan Mlambo, the head of their court: the Gauteng (Pretoria and Johannesburg) division.

ALSO READ: Judge Maumela concerned about ‘time wasting side shows’ in Meyiwa trial

According to the SABC, Ramaphosa issued the letters of suspension on Tuesday, 28 June and the JSC is in the process of appointing a tribunal for each one of the judges.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL?

The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial was postponed on 12 June as Maumela was sick and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that he will not be available for a long time.

Gauteng Deputy Judge President, Aubrey Ledwaba said Maumela will not be available for a long time due to health reasons but the matter needs to proceed.

Ledwaba said the matter is postponed to 17 July and is likely run the whole third term (up to 15 September).

ALSO READ: Wait, What? Advocate Teffo accuses Judge Maumela of bewitching him

In an interview with eNCA, legal expert Mumelelo Zikalala said if there is a new judge who will preside over the matter the four witnesses might be called back.

Two police Sergeants Thabo Mosia, Patrick Mthethwa as well as Meyiwa’s two friends Tumelo Madlala and Mthokozisi Thwala have testified.

WATCH: Teffo delays Meyiwa trial demanding to see Judge Maumela

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