Witchcraft, tribalism in judges' war

In a signed petition to the JSC, dated August 17, 2015, the 12 judges, including the suspended four, allege that it was difficult to serve under Dibotelo’s leadership. In terms of the annexure filed on record, the suspended judges: Key Dingake, Modiri Letsididi, Mercy Garekwe and Ranier Busang supported by colleagues Michael Leburu, Tshepo Motswagole, Bengbame Sechele, Gaolapelwe Ketlogetswe, Barnabas Nyamadzabo, Godfrey Nthomiwa, Lot Moroka and Kholisani Solo demanded an audience with the JSC as a matter of urgency. In the petition, headed, ‘Leadership Crisis In The Judiciary’, the High Court judges allege that among other things, Dibotelo has threatened to destroy careers and would also make defamatory remarks.

The judges made reference to the issue of housing allowance, saying the way it was handled was confirmation enough that Dibotelo intended and had an agenda to destroy the careers of some judges.