- CJ says perpetrators using pseudo accounts are beyond the reach of the law
- Asserts how some claim to know the outcome of cases even before judgments are read out
- Says the attacks compromise rule of law and ought to be frowned upon
GAZETTE REPORTER
The Chief Justice Terence Rannowane has appealed for help and decisive action to stop coordinated attacks on the judiciary in pseudo social media accounts.
“Your Excellency, I wish to bring to your attention that the Judiciary has in the last few years seen an unprecedented increase in attacks on its officers,” Justice Rannowane said, addressing himself directly to President Mokgweetsi Masisi at the opening of the legal year this week.
Coordinated
“The attacks have happened in the glare of the public and some through coordinated social media platforms.”
The Chief Justice described the attacks, as “the worst kind because they have been perpetrated by individuals using pseudo accounts and who are beyond the reach of the law”.
“In some instances,” he added, “some individuals often claim to know the outcome of judgments even before they are read out.
“These unwarranted attacks under the false guise of whistleblowing have targeted judges of both the High Court and the Court of Appeal.
“These attacks, your Excellency, undermine and compromise the rule of law and the country’s standing internationally and must in any democracy be frowned upon.”