The costs levied towards Mpofu embrace allegations of misconduct starting from making threatening remarks throughout a Part 194 inquiry into the previous Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s health to carry workplace to impugning the character of constitutional figures and interesting in unprofessional conduct throughout high-profile interviews and courtroom proceedings.
The costs additionally accuse Mpofu of breaching numerous provisions of the Code of Conduct, suggesting that his cross-examinations and public statements have tarnished the authorized career’s repute.
“Charging any particular person can doubtlessly destroy individuals’s lives and careers. We warning towards this hatred in the direction of individuals, no matter who they’re and their views. We’d defend any authorized practitioner towards frivolous fees designed to intimidate them from doing their jobs or representing their purchasers.”
The affiliation known as on the LPC to train its discretion rigorously, noting that the fees appear to misread and abuse the provisions of the Code of Conduct.
It additional warned that such actions threat making a harmful precedent the place the authorized career could possibly be focused for political or private motives relatively than professional disciplinary causes.
Reflecting on the particular fees, PABASA underscores their perceived absurdity and lack of foundation.
For example, the cost alleging that Mpofu’s assertion about sharing “nights collectively” with the Chief Justice was sexual innuendo is labeled as “a humiliation to the LPC and the whole authorized fraternity”.
“What within the assertion connotes any sexual act? Would it not have made any distinction if Mpofu SC had mentioned they spent ‘their days collectively’ as college students? Such accusations are inappropriate and represent a regrettable insult to our Chief Justice and Mpofu SC.”
The letter concluded with a plea for the LPC to rethink its strategy, emphasising the significance of sustaining the integrity of the authorized career and the independence of its regulatory our bodies.
“It could be regrettable if such a regulatory physique is became a instrument for persecution. We urge the LPC to rethink its place about these fees and to uphold the rules of justice and equity that underpin our constitutional order.”
Because the controversy unfolds, the authorized neighborhood watches carefully, aware of the broader implications for skilled integrity and the rule of legislation in South Africa.
thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za
IOL Politics
