Senior Pietermaritzburg magistrate Ashin Singh, with 36 years of service, has been suspended from full pay following misconduct allegations involving espionage for police crime intelligence and threatening journalists.

The Magistrate’s Commission suspended him in December 2023, but his disciplinary hearing was adjourned indefinitely in April 2026 after he failed to apply for medical boarding.The commission later decided to withhold his remuneration, effective July 15, 2026.

Singh has contested the suspension, accusing the commission chair, Aubrey Ledwaba, of bias due to their past association with former president Jacob Zuma.He also criticized the disciplinary process, swearing at judges and disputing the evidence against him.

The case highlights ongoing controversies around judicial conduct, with Singh’s behavior described as irrational and degrading by retired judge Frans Fabricius.

Legal battles continue as Singh seeks reinstatement of his pay and challenges the disciplinary proceedings, while the commission prepares to resume hearings in September 2026.