Ledwaba Denies R2.5 Million Bribe Claim, Demands Chance to Testify at Madlanga Commission Over KT Molefe Bail
Pretoria – Acting Judge President Aubrey Ledwaba has strongly denied allegations that he took a R2.5 million bribe to grant bail to murder-accused businessman Katiso “KT” Molefe, calling the claims baseless and seeking to clear his name at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. In a move that has rocked South Africa’s judiciary, Ledwaba refused to take special leave despite discussions with Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, insisting he will not step aside without proof of wrongdoing. The explosive accusation came from a protected witness during the commission’s hearings on 21 October 2025, linking Ledwaba to a web of corruption that allegedly let Molefe walk free on R400,000 bail, only for more crimes to follow. This denial comes amid growing scrutiny of judicial integrity, with calls for swift action to protect public trust in the courts.
The Madlanga Commission, set up by President Cyril Ramaphosa to probe criminal infiltration, political interference, and corruption in the justice system, has uncovered shocking details of how syndicates manipulate bail and probes. Ledwaba’s case adds to a string of high-profile revelations, raising questions about bias and outside influence in key rulings.
The Allegation: Witness A’s Bombshell Testimony
The claim surfaced during the testimony of “Witness A,” a Gauteng detective speaking under anonymity for safety. On 21 October 2025, he told the commission that informers revealed R2.5 million was earmarked to secure Molefe’s bail. The money was supposedly meant to sway a judge and prosecutor, with Ledwaba presiding over the hearing at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.
Witness A went further, accusing Ledwaba of showing bias by coaching Molefe’s lawyers on how to argue the case. He described the judge as “assisting criminals in evading justice” and linked it to Molefe’s release, which allegedly enabled a “post-bail killing spree.” The detective slammed the decision as flawed, saying it ignored strong evidence against Molefe, who faces multiple murder charges, including the assassination of Transnet supplier Armin Swart.
Swart was killed after exposing inflated contracts through middle companies tied to Molefe. Witness A reserved his harshest words for Ledwaba, claiming the judge’s actions let dangerous figures roam free. This testimony built on earlier evidence from crime intelligence boss Dumisani Khumalo, who named Molefe as part of the “Big Five” cartel involved in hits and corruption.
Ledwaba’s Firm Denial and Push to Testify
Ledwaba wasted no time in responding, unequivocally denying any bribe or wrongdoing. In statements reported on 23 October 2025, he said he has never received money to influence a ruling and plans to seek legal advice. He expressed eagerness to testify at the commission: “I will not be forced to take special leave… I wish to be afforded an opportunity to give his side of the story at the Madlanga Commission.”
Ledwaba, who has served as Acting Judge President of the Gauteng Division, is no stranger to high-stakes cases. He famously ruled to seal the CR17 bank statements in 2019, a decision that kept details of Ramaphosa’s ANC leadership campaign private amid controversy. Critics have pointed to this as part of a pattern, but Ledwaba maintains his integrity.
He turned down Maya’s suggestion for special leave pending the commission’s end, arguing a judge may not be suspended without a formal process. Instead, he wants to face the allegations head-on to prove his innocence.
Judiciary’s Response: Maya Calls for Formal Complaints
Chief Justice Maya, speaking for the judiciary in a statement on 23 October 2025, expressed grave concern over the testimony. She noted its potential to damage judicial trust but stressed it remains an unproven allegation. Maya urged anyone with evidence of misconduct to lodge a formal complaint with the Judicial Conduct Committee (JCC) of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
“The JSC is the constitutional body with the lawful mandate to investigate any alleged misconduct by a Judge,” the statement read. It explained that judges cannot be suspended lightly – only after a JSC probe recommends it to the President. Maya confirmed discussions with Ledwaba, who denied receiving any money and plans to testify.
The judiciary reaffirmed its commitment to impartiality: “The Judiciary acknowledges its obligation to ensure that appropriate action is taken expeditiously where any Judicial Officer is found to have acted unlawfully or unethically.”
Molefe’s Case: A Web of Murders and Cartels
Katiso “KT” Molefe is at the centre of multiple murder probes, accused of masterminding hits to silence threats to his business empire. He was granted R400,000 bail by Ledwaba despite opposition from prosecutors, who argued he was a flight risk and danger to witnesses. Since then, more killings have been linked to him, including after his release.
The Madlanga Commission heard Molefe is part of the “Big Five” cartel, a network involving taxi bosses, business figures, and corrupt officials. Late taxi mogul Jothan “Mswazi” Msibi was named as its head by another witness. The group allegedly uses bribes and violence to evade justice, with ties to police and courts.
Molefe’s arrest followed Swart’s murder, tied to dodgy Transnet deals. Witnesses claim helicopters disrupted raids on his properties, showing high-level protection.
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