Motata lodges court application to be reinstated as judge

Controversial High Court Judge Nkola Motata, who was placed on special leave pending a disciplinary investigation following his conviction on a drunk driving charge, this week lodged a court application in which he requests the court to permit him to officiate as a judge again.

Court documents were delivered to AfriForum, the Minister of Justice and the Judicial Service Commission this week. In his court application, Motata claims it is unfair that he is deprived of the right to officiate as a judge. He requests the North Gauteng High Court to issue an order authorising him to act as a judge.

An intoxicated Motata drove his luxury vehicle into Richard Baird's garden wall in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg more than two years ago. Baird took photographs of a visibly intoxicated Motata with his cell phone. Motata made racist remarks towards Baird and other bystanders. The video material was used during Motata's trial and led to his conviction.

AfriForum will oppose Motata's court application.

Statement issued by Willie Spies, AfriForum Legal Representative, November 24 2011

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