The Democratic Alliance (DA) on Wednesday expressed its ire at the ”preferential treatment” extended to Pretoria High Court Judge Nkola Motata on Tuesday, calling on Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla to explain.
Officials at the Hillbrow Magistrate’s Court had bent over backwards to ensure that Motata’s court hearing on charges of drunk driving was shielded from the public, granting him a hearing in a magistrate’s chambers, DA spokesperson Sheila Camerer said.
”First African National Congress struggle activists-turned-politicians get special treatment in prison. Now it seems struggle lawyers-turned-judges get special treatment in court.”
The DA was seriously concerned about this ever-more prevalent phenomenon: one law for ordinary folk and special treatment for the anointed few, she said.
In January, Motata crashed his car into a wall in a suburb north of Johannesburg, allegedly under the influence of alcohol.
Camerer said Motata should be regarded as equal before the law to any other alleged drunk driver.
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development had so far offered no explanation as to why the postponement of his case was dealt with in chambers rather than in open court.
Allegedly this was arranged with the prosecutor in the case. In terms of the Constitution, the National Prosecuting Authority should exercise its functions without fear, favour or prejudice.
Mabandla had to ensure that the public received a satisfactory explanation of Motata’s treatment.
It was also unclear whether Transvaal Judge President Bernard Ngoepe had extended Motata’s suspension from the bench pending the finalisation of his trial on drunken-driving charges.
”We should be told what the position is without delay,” Camerer said.
Motata was on leave of absence until the end of February. — Sapa