Dear Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services,


KZN Court President Eric Nzimande was suspended more than two years ago on very serious charges relating to allegations of corruption, and a "pattern of racketeering" that involves magistrates and lawyers depositing money (bribes) into his bank account in exchange for their job post and other matters that include bribes paid on rape and rhino poaching cases. My charity Saving the Wild contributed significantly to the investigation, and yet all these years there has been no consequence to the courts being captured. In fact, with the exception of Mr Nzimande who sits at home receiving full pay, everyone else implicated continues to hold their positions. How many child rapists have walked free now because this disciplinary hearing has dragged on for years? We will never know. Many.

What message is Parliament sending to the world that the last line of defence has been captured without consequence? As a matter of urgency, Saving the Wild and our allies both in South Africa, and worldwide, are awaiting a resolution on this matter. We would like to see the charge sheet, and we would like to see a date set for the disciplinary hearing as a matter of urgency. This investigation is of high public interest and the public must have the opportunity to attend the hearing so that we can start to rebuild once more faith in a justice system that has clearly failed us.

Sincerely,

Jamie Joseph
Director of Saving the Wild.
savingthewild.com