STORY CORRECTION
KuGompo city (East London) – The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has announced that it desires the suspension of Judge Belinda Hartle of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court for alleged wrongdoing.
Stating its intention on Friday, 15 May 2026, the JSC said Judge Hartle would remain on suspension pending the outcome of a Judicial Conduct Tribunal into allegations of incapacity, gross incompetence, and gross misconduct.
The JSC said the decision followed a complaint lodged by Mr. Thozamile Semekazi, who alleges she used “racist and abusive language” toward him.
Semekazi is an official from the Office of the Chief Justice.
However, in an updated statement on Saturday, 15 May 2026, the JSC said: “On 15 May 2026, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) issued a media statement relating to the complaint lodged by Mr. Thozamile Semekazi against Judge Belinda Hartle.
“The statement states that the JSC decided on 28 April 2026 that it is desirable that Judge Hartle is suspended.
“The media statement omits to mention that the JSC will advise the President, in accordance with section 19(4) of the JSC Act, read with section 177(3) of the Constitution of its decision that it is desirable that Judge Hartle be suspended and the conditions for such suspension.
“The power and decision to suspend a Judge lies with the President acting in terms of section 177(3).“
In the earlier statement made available to The Bulrushes, the JSC said at its meeting on 5 March 2026, it requested the Chief Justice appoint a Judicial Conduct Tribunal in terms of sections 19 and 21 of the Judicial Service Commission Act, 1994.
The parties were subsequently invited to make written submissions on whether suspension was desirable under section 19(4) of the Act, read with section 177(3) of the Constitution.
On 28 April 2026, after considering the submissions, the JSC resolved that Judge Hartle’s suspension was desirable.
However, the suspension would be subject to the condition that Judge Hartle may finalise her partly heard matters and reserved judgments during the suspension period.
The JSC further directed that the Head of Court in the Eastern Cape Division take reasonable measures to minimise interaction between Judge Hartle and Mr. Semekazi while the suspension is in effect.
