# A judicial conduct tribunal is set to begin hearings this week into whether Free State Judge Lepona Lekale is fit to remain on the bench after not performing judicial duties since 2018 because of ill health. Lekale declined early retirement, citing advice from a traditional healer. The tribunal, chaired by retired deputy president of the Supreme Court of Appeal, Xola Petse, is the first to investigate judicial incapacity. If incapacity is confirmed, the Judicial Service Commission could recommend to Parliament that Lekale be removed from office.
Tribunal examines Free State judge Lepona Lekale’s fitness for office