MK party opens criminal case against Judge Makamu over R5 000 corruption claim

The MK party has officially initiated a criminal case against acting Johannesburg High Court Judge Samuel Makamu in connection with alleged corruption related to a leave to appeal application. The case was registered at Boksburg North Police Station on Wednesday. The complaint was lodged by businessman and attorney Bouwe Wiersma in August 2025.

Wiersma claimed that Makamu requested money in exchange for granting leave to appeal an eviction order against him. According to Wiersma, shortly after Makamu issued the eviction order in July 2025, he received a call from someone claiming to be the judge. The caller allegedly expressed dissatisfaction with the judgment, encouraged an appeal, and offered assistance in obtaining a favorable outcome.

The MK party's spokesperson, Sifiso Mahlangu, stated that the decision to open the criminal case was made to ensure that the allegations are investigated by law enforcement authorities. He emphasized that allegations of corruption involving judicial officers must be taken seriously and subjected to proper investigation. The party stressed that the integrity and independence of the judiciary are crucial to constitutional democracy.

They suggested that Judge Makamu should step aside during the investigation. Should any criminal conduct be found, those responsible should be held accountable. This case adds to the ongoing scrutiny of Judge Makamu, who is already under a judicial-conduct process referred for further investigation by the Judicial Conduct Committee.

The committee acknowledged inconsistencies in Wiersma's complaint but deemed it serious enough to warrant referral to a tribunal. The tribunal could ultimately recommend severe sanctions if the allegations are substantiated.