Legal analyst Mpumelelo Zikalala says the credibility of judges is under scrutiny following the arrest of Gauteng High Court Judge Portia Phahlane on corruption charges.

Judge Phahlane was granted bail of R50 000 when she appeared in the Serious Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria on Wednesday.

She is alleged to have received a R2 million bribe in exchange for delivering a favourable judgment in the International Pentecostal Holiness Church’s succession case.

Zikalala says this is unfortunate for the image of the judiciary.

“It will dent the credibility of the judges. They are under scrutiny as we’re speaking at the moment, but what we must remember is that the judge who is affected will still be able to do her job, still be able to listen to matters and bring judgments. She’s regarded as innocent until proven guilty.”

“And anyone who has an issue with any judgment that she has taken, they do have an opportunity to take the matter to other further courts like your Supreme Court of Appeals or Constitutional Court, and if there is any allegation of any misconduct that has taken place, the JSC will be able to attend to that. But the other hope from the side of the Chief Justice is that she is responsible for making sure that the brand and the image of the justice system is protected,” adds Zikalala.

VIDEO| There are calls for Judge Phahlane’s suspension:

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