This followed after the Magistrate’s Commission found that evidence obtained during a preliminary investigation indicated that there is sufficient evidence to charge Hinxa with misconduct. 

The Commission further found that the allegations are of such a serious nature that it would be inappropriate for Hinxa to continue his duties as a Magistrate while a full scale investigation is conducted.

The investigation follows allegations by a 42-year old woman from Botshabelo that she was raped by Hinxa. He denied the allegations and instead approached the commission with a counter-allegation that the complainant was paid R100-000 by a Bloemfontein attorney to falsely implicate him.  

The complainant denied the allegation and pressed forward with the complaint. 

The Commission then decided – based on the evidence - that Hinxa should be charged with misconduct and to recommend that he be provisionally suspended from office pending a hearing into his fitness to hold the office of magistrate.

Parliament must now, as soon as is reasonably possible, pass a resolution as to whether or not the provisional suspension of the magistrate is confirmed. If Parliament passes a resolution that the provisional suspension is not confirmed, the suspension will then lapse.  

OFM News