Former Judge Ntsikelelo Poswa of South Africa; incompetent boob

In late 2015, the Judicial Service Commission was asked to take action against Judge Poswa who sits on the Pretoria High Court for gross incompetence.

In one matter, Judge Poswa granted bail at R1000 ($68) to two accused murderers, which was later nullified by the Supreme Court of Appeal and led to the reissuance of warrants for the their arrest.

The ethics complaint against Judge Poswa was filed by the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP). A spokesman for the IFP made the following statements about Judge Poswa.

• “Poswa displayed a complete disregard for justice. He was reckless and ignored material facts.”
• “The fact that a full bench of the Supreme Court of Appeal slammed his decision to grant bail is sufficient evidence to be placed before the Judicial Service Commission to charge Poswa.”
• “There is no room for such incompetent judges on our bench and the sad result they accomplish, is to cast suspicion on other judges who perform their judicial functions meticulously.”

Judicial incompetence in America is not punished by being tossed off the bench. In fact, in many instances, incompetence is a stepping stone to higher office.