‘Shockingly lenient’ sentences leads to KZN magistrate’s suspension
Controversial Umlazi magistrate Kholeka Bodlani has been placed on provisional suspension pending the outcome of an investigation into her fitness to hold office.
Bodlani has come under fire for what has been described as shockingly lenient sentences she handed down to rapists and other sexual offenders.
The matter was referred to the Justice Ministry by the Magistrates’ Commission.
The ministry’s spokesperson Chrispin Phiri says some of her judgments have fallen short of what the judiciary deems fit.
“After a substantial number of Ms Bodlani’s judgments went on special review to the High Court, the reviewing judges raised serious questions as to her suitability for judicial office. They found the sentences she imposed as, amongst others, ‘incorrect for incompleteness, incompetent, outrageous, disturbing to the extreme, shockingly inappropriate and completely contrary to the very factors relevant to sentencing’.”
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Phiri says Bodlani’s alleged misconduct runs the risk of tainting the judiciary’s work.
“Minister (of Justice Ronald) Lamola has said our judicial offices must display the highest level of competency and ability.
“If they do not, it has the potential to undermine the administration of justice and may result in the community and the public in general losing faith in the ability of the courts to dispense fair and appropriate justice.”