Free State High Court judge Lepona Lekale has rejected claims that he committed gross misconduct or was incompetent after spending eight years on paid sick leave while continuing to receive his salary and state benefits.Lekale appeared before a Judicial Conduct Tribunal in Sandton, Johannesburg, where he was questioned about his fitness to remain in office.The judge explained that his absence from work was caused by severe medical challenges that began in 2018.His health problems resulted in the amputation of his right leg, the loss of toes on his left foot, and blindness in 2019.

During the hearing, Lekale acknowledged that his condition could be viewed as bordering on incapacity because he was initially able to perform his duties but later became unable to do so because of illness.

Tribunal chairperson retired Supreme Court of Appeal deputy president judge Xola Petse asked Lekale whether there was evidence of gross negligence, misconduct or incompetence against him.The judge responded that there was no such evidence.

Lekale was appointed to the Free State High Court bench in 2012 and gained attention in 2017 after using provisions of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act to sentence seven gang members to life imprisonment for murders linked to gang activities.

While on extended sick leave, he has continued to use a state-subsidised Mercedes-Benz GLC, with reported annual costs of about R500,000 to the government.The tribunal is continuing with its investigation into the matter.