Samuel Makamu: MK Party opens case against corruption-accused Joburg judge

UMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has opened a criminal case against Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg Acting Judge Samuel Makamu over allegations that he solicited R5,000 in connection with an application for leave to appeal.

The case was opened at Boksburg North Police Station on Wednesday, 30 September, according to the party.

The allegations stem from a complaint lodged by businessman and attorney Bouwe Wiersma, who accused Makamu of grossly improper conduct following an eviction matter. The Judicial Conduct Committee (JCC) of the Judicial Service Commission referred the complaint for further investigation after finding that, if proven, the allegations could amount to gross misconduct.

MK PARTY CALLS FOR PROBE INTO ALLEGATIONS AGAINST JUDGE SAMUEL MAKAMU

According to the MK Party, the allegations include a claim that R5 000 was paid in connection with an application for leave to appeal.

The party said evidence submitted as part of the judicial-conduct complaint reportedly includes WhatsApp communications and banking records.

However, Judge Samuel Makamu disputes the allegations. The opening of a criminal case does not establish that an offence was committed, and the judge has not been found guilty of corruption or misconduct.

The JCC’s December 2025 ruling records that Wiersma alleged that, after an eviction judgment, he received a call from a person identifying himself as Makamu and was encouraged to appeal the judgment. The complaint also included allegations concerning assistance with the appeal and a payment.

The MK Party said it was not declaring Makamu guilty but wanted the allegations placed before law-enforcement authorities for investigation.

“The purpose of opening the criminal case is to place the allegations before the appropriate law-enforcement authorities so that they can be investigated and determined in accordance with the law,” spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu said.

MK Party opened a criminal case at Boksburg North Police Station over alleged corruption and bribery involving Acting Judge Samuel Makamu, linked to an application for leave to appeal. The Party called for a fair and transparent investigation.#MKParty #MasibuyeleBantwini pic.twitter.com/4AvWxyPVem

— uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (Official) (@MkhontoweSizwex) September 30, 2026

PARTY CALLS FOR JUDGE TO STEP ASIDE

The party has called on Judge Samuel Makamu to step aside while the investigation is underway and has urged a “thorough and impartial” inquiry into the allegations.

It said the integrity and independence of the judiciary were important to constitutional democracy and that allegations involving judicial officers should be investigated transparently and fairly.

The JCC has already referred the complaint for a formal inquiry. The referral itself does not constitute a finding that Makamu committed misconduct.

The MK Party said those responsible should be held accountable if criminal conduct is ultimately established.