The four judges; justices Key Dingake, Modiri Letsididi, Ranier Busang and Mercy Garekwe, were suspended on allegations of misconduct and bringing the name of the judiciary into disrepute. The ICJ, a non-governmental organisation comprises up to 60 lawyers (including senior judges, attorneys and academics) dedicated to ensuring respect for international human rights standards through the law, has expressed deep concern in respect to the suspension of the four judges from office pending disciplinary hearing. It has called on the Executive to respect the principles governing the independence of the judiciary in their conduct in addressing the situation, including their actions throughout the course of any impeachment and disciplinary proceedings.
In a statement penned by its regional director for Africa, Arnold Tsunga, the ICJ said there should be proper procedures for the removal of judges from office. Tsunga stated that judges should be subjected to suspension or removal from office only for reasons of incapacity or misbehaviour that clearly renders them unfit to discharge their duties.
