SOUTH AFRICA — Three officials at the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Pretoria have been placed on precautionary suspension following a May 13, 2025 raid by South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks. The suspensions come amid a widening probe into the alleged issuance of fraudulent legal documents used to delay deportation of undocumented foreign nationals (Daily Maverick).
Details of the Allegations
One of the suspended court officials is suspected of generating false notices of motion—legal filings that verify court action on a case—which were allegedly used to obstruct deportation efforts. These documents reportedly gave the appearance of pending legal proceedings, thereby delaying law enforcement actions against individuals lacking legal residency status.
Ongoing Investigation
Hawks head Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya confirmed to Newzroom Afrika that the investigation began in March 2025 after a formal complaint was submitted. He identified the main suspect as a junior Level 5 employee but added that additional court staff or law firms may soon fall under scrutiny.
Response from the Office of the Chief Justice
In a statement, the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) reiterated its “zero tolerance” stance on fraud and misconduct, stating that the precautionary suspensions were imposed to safeguard the integrity of the investigation.
Related Allegations at Mthatha High Court
This development coincides with separate corruption claims emerging from the Mthatha High Court, where officials have allegedly solicited bribes for routine services. Chief Justice Mandisa Maya visited the court this week and confirmed that both internal and external probes are underway. Maya emphasized the need for transparency and backed calls to expedite the rollout of the national online court filing system.
Broader Implications
These incidents have raised fresh concerns about public trust in South Africa’s judicial institutions. The Hawks have pledged a full and thorough investigation to determine the scale of the alleged misconduct and to identify any additional individuals involved.
