Setback for Suspended Chief Magistrate Desmond Nair as Withdrawal of Corruption Charges Application Fails

In a significant setback for suspended Pretoria chief magistrate Desmond Nair, his application to withdraw corruption charges against him was unsuccessful. The matter, heard in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, led to a postponement to March 15 for Nair to assess his options, including the possibility of appealing the Investigating Directorate’s decision with the National Director of Public Prosecutions, according to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Investigating Directorate spokesperson Sindisiwe Seboka. According to IOL, Nair is accused of corruption, allegedly receiving R200,000 in security upgrades from African Global Operations or Global Technology Systems (formerly known as BOSASA) in September 2016, involving an electric fence, alarm system, perimeter beams, and a CCTV system at his Pretoria home in Silverton.

Also read: Suspended Chief Magistrate Desmond Nair, Accused of Graft, Set to Appear in Court

The State contends that Nair obtained these upgrades with the intent to act dishonestly, improperly, or unlawfully. The case has been rescheduled for further consideration, allowing Nair to challenge the Investigating Directorate’s decision. In response to the charges, Nair disputed the allegations, claiming an oral agreement with an individual identified as Mr Bejoo for security system installations and repairs at a maximum agreed price of R50,000. Nair insists that he received the benefits free of charge, rejecting any wrongdoing based on a fixed maximum contract price.

In addition to the criminal charges, the justice and correctional services department revealed the initiation of misconduct proceedings against Nair, following the provisions of the Magistrate’s Act and the Code of Judicial Conduct for Magistrates. The department seeks to address Nair’s alleged actions’ legal and ethical aspects.

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Picture: X / TheLegalSA

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