The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has lodged a formal complaint with the Magistrates Commission against Chief Magistrate Tuletu Tonjeni following controversial proceedings linked to taxi boss Madoda Johannes Sibanyoni and his co-accused in Kwaagafontein.
NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago confirmed the move, saying the authority had reviewed transcripts from matters presided over by Tonjeni on 15 and 18 May before deciding to escalate the matter.
According to Kganyago, the developments surrounding the case have raised concerns about judicial conduct, procedural fairness and the broader administration of justice.
NPA Reviews Court Transcripts Before Filing Complaint
Kganyago said the NPA carefully examined records from the proceedings before reaching its decision to approach the Magistrates Commission.
“He said they have gone through the transcripts of all the matters that she presided over on 15 and 18 May, and based on that, they were able to determine that it is prudent to lodge a formal complaint.”
The complaint comes after Tonjeni struck the high-profile matter off the roll and authorised a warrant of arrest for prosecutor Mkhuseli Ntaba.
Ntaba did not appear during the bail hearing at the Kwaggafontein Magistrate’s Court, leading to the court’s decision.
NPA Appeals Contempt Order And Arrest Warrant
Kganyago said the NPA had already filed a notice to appeal against both the contempt of court order and the approval of the arrest warrant.
“In as much as we have filed a notice to appeal against the contempt of court order and the authorisation of a warrant of arrest, we deem it prudent that we consider the filling of a formal compliant with the Magistrates Commission,” he said.
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The Times Post understands that the NPA believes the complaint process is necessary to safeguard the integrity of the magistracy while ensuring accountability within the justice system.
Kganyago added that the intervention by the Magistrates Commission could also help prevent similar irregularities from occurring in future court proceedings.
