High Court judge denies bias, refuses recusal

Last Thursday, the judge chucked out the company’s request for his recusal, stating it didn't hold water. Lamworld is battling it out with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development. The company claims it was roped in back in 2013 by the Ministry to construct a water treatment plant and evaporation ponds at New Xade and Radisele villages.

In the latest showdown, Lamworld accused Justice Phuthego of showing bias during a meeting in their chambers. The company also accused the judge of being forum-shopped to prejudice them. Dismissing the application, Justice Phuthego said the recusal applicants, Lamworld Technologies and Deputy Sheriff Kebonekgosi Ntebele, failed to make a compelling case.