Mpofu Claims Drafters of Judicial Misconduct Allegations Failed to Consider Impact on Judiciary
Advocate Dali Mpofu faces a Legal Practice Council disciplinary inquiry over remarks about senior judges Mandisa Maya and Dunstan Mlambo.
By Kgomotso Modise11 April 2025 | 6:52
Mpofu Claims Drafters of Judicial Misconduct Allegations Failed
JOHANNESBURG – Prominent advocate Dali Mpofu has criticized the drafting of misconduct allegations against him, arguing that the complainant failed to consider the potential damage to the judiciary’s reputation.
Mpofu is set to appear before the Legal Practice Council (LPC) on seven misconduct charges, two of which relate to his remarks about:
- Chief Justice Mandisa Maya
- Gauteng Judge President Dunstan Mlambo
The Charges in Detail
- Alleged “Character Assassination” of Judge President Mlambo
- Mpofu faces accusations of reviving unproven sexual harassment claims during Mlambo’s Judicial Service Commission (JSC) interview.
- “Inappropriate Sexual Innuendo” Toward Chief Justice Maya
- The complaint cites Mpofu’s “we spent our nights together” remark as “offensive, unprofessional, and lacking decorum.”
Mpofu’s Response
- “The allegations are baseless and designed to tarnish my reputation.”
- “The charge regarding Chief Justice Maya is particularly egregious. Does anyone expect her to testify in a kangaroo court?”
- “The drafters of these claims didn’t consider the harm to the judiciary’s integrity.”
Legal & Political Implications
- The case raises questions about freedom of expression vs. professional conduct for legal practitioners.
- Critics argue the LPC’s inquiry could set a precedent for how lawyers critique judges.
- Mpofu, a high-profile MK Party supporter, has faced increasing scrutiny since his political alignment shifted.
Key Figures Mentioned
✅ Dali Mpofu – Advocate facing LPC disciplinary action
✅ Mandisa Maya – Chief Justice of South Africa
✅ Dunstan Mlambo – Gauteng Judge President
About
Daluxolo Christopher Mpofu (born 17 January 1962) is a South African lawyer, politician, and former businessman who was the National Chairperson of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) from 2014 to 2019. He served on the Judicial Service Commission from 2017 to 2022 and formerly served as chief executive officer of the South African Broadcasting Corporation from 2005 to 2009.
Mpofu was admitted as an advocate of the High Court in 1993 and was awarded senior counsel status in 2014. He is known for taking on politically sensitive cases: among other clients, he has represented striking mineworkers at the Marikana Commission, Tom Moyane at the Zondo Commission, and Busisiwe Mkhwebane at the Section 194 Enquiry; since 2021, he has been lead counsel for former President Jacob Zuma in his corruption trial. Formerly a longstanding member of the African National Congress, Mpofu defected to the EFF in 2013.
