The Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services has noted with great concern a vitriolic attack on the judicial officer by the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters after his appearance in the Magistrate Court in East London.

Whilst it is permissible to criticize and debate the reasoning of judicial officers' decisions, attacking their person and directing sensational conspiracy theories at judicial officers is not correct by anyone, let alone a member of the Judicial Services Commission.

We call upon all role players to ensure they uphold the independence of the judiciary by seeking accountability through established channels, not populist channels where no due process can be established. It is common cause that where one believes there is questionable conduct by a judicial officer, complaints should be duly filed with the Judicial Services Commission or the Magistrates Commission, as the case may be.