Retired Judge Takalani Raulinga has been appointed to lead the IDAC Ombud Office, which will provide independent oversight and investigate complaints linked to the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption, but had to defend his judicial independence after questions were raised about his former ANC membership,
Questions over the impartiality of retired Judge Takalani Raulinga have intensified after the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party formally challenged his appointment as oversight judge for the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), citing his past ANC membership and friendship with President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The party has lodged an objection with Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, arguing that Raulinga's previous political associations could create a reasonable apprehension of bias and potentially undermine public confidence in the independence of the office.
The MK Party has called on Kubayi to appoint a different oversight judge, maintaining that Raulinga's disclosed association with Ramaphosa raises concerns about the perception of impartiality.
Responding to the criticism during a media briefing on Sunday, Raulinga firmly defended his independence, insisting that his political affiliation before joining the judiciary had never influenced his conduct on the Bench.
