By OBAKENG MAJE

27 October 2026 – Suspended Pretoria Chief Magistrate Desmond Nair has pleaded not guilty to all corruption charges against him in the Pretoria Commercial Crimes Court. Nair appeared in court on 26 October 2026, where the trial commenced with the state presenting its evidence through its first witness, an employee of a BOSASA subsidiary.

The witness testified about the alleged installation of security upgrades at Nair’s home.

According to the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, Nair is accused of allegedly receiving security upgrades valued at approximately R200 000 at his home in Gauteng in September 2016. Mamothame said the upgrades were allegedly provided by African Global Operations, formerly known as BOSASA.

“The upgrades reportedly included an electric fence, an alarm system, perimeter beams and a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system. The alleged gratification was intended to induce Nair to act dishonestly or improperly in the exercise of his influential position within the judiciary.

“The state commenced leading its evidence through its first witness, who provided testimony regarding the alleged installation of security upgrades at the accused’s residence,” he said.

The matter was postponed to 27 October 2026, for the continuation of the trial.

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