Judge Aubrey Phago Ledwaba, who has been implicated in testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, has been shortlisted to be interviewed for the position of Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court.

This move is despite serious allegations linking his name to an alleged bribery scheme involving a high-profile bail decision.

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on Tuesday released its list of shortlisted candidates for judicial appointments, confirming that Ledwaba is the sole candidate shortlisted for the Gauteng High Court Judge President vacancy. According to the JSC, interviews are scheduled to take place from  April 13 to April 17, 2026.

Ledwaba’s shortlisting comes as public scrutiny continues following testimony heard at the Madlanga Commission, which is investigating allegations of impropriety surrounding the granting of bail to underworld figure Katiso “KT” Molefe.

Earlier this week, Witness A told the Madlanga Commission that he had received information from an informant that R2.5 million was set aside to cover Molefe’s bail. The witness said the money was allegedly intended to influence the bail outcome, but conceded that he could not confirm whether the funds were meant for Ledwaba or the public prosecutor involved in the matter.

Ledwaba has consistently denied receiving any money to grant Molefe bail and is understood to be seeking legal advice.

He has also previously indicated his intention to appear before the commission to present his version of events.

Despite the controversy, the JSC proceeded with publishing his name as the only shortlisted candidate for the Gauteng Judge President post, opening a public comment period ahead of the April interviews. Members of the public and legal bodies have until March 12, 2026 to submit comments on the suitability of shortlisted candidates.

Ledwaba is no stranger to controversy; in 2021 during interviews for a Supreme Court of Appeal position, he was asked directly by Supreme Court Mandisa Maya whether or not he was a “corrupt judge”, due to his sealing of the CR17 bank records at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s request in 2019.

It was also Ledwaba who ruled on an order that investigator Paul O’Sullivan be given 48 hours’ notice prior to any acting on any arrest warrant against him. 

The Madlanga Commission is set to continue hearings on Friday, with Witness C expected to take the stand.

IOL

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