UCT statement on charges pending against deputy registrar

Reports have been published about decisions in Connecticut, and about charges pending there against Paul Ngobeni, recently appointed as Deputy Registrar (Legal Services & Secretariat) at UCT.

First, there are reports of criminal charges pending. Mr Ngobeni has informed the University that these charges have received judicial comment on which basis he believes that they are likely to be dismissed. Mr Ngobeni denies wrongdoing, and states that he confidently expects to be exonerated. He is innocent until proved guilty.

Secondly, Mr Ngobeni was debarred in absentia from Connecticut State Courts for 13 years on 17 October 2007 in the Superior State Court in Connecticut. He has filed notice to have that Court's order set aside or vacated on jurisdictional, procedural and substantive grounds. The outcome of his motion is awaited.

Thirdly, Mr Ngobeni was suspended from Connecticut State Court practice in December 2005. Mr Ngobeni has informed the University that this matter remains untried and hence unresolved. The Connecticut decision triggered reciprocal suspensions in Massachusetts and in New York.

The University is obtaining further information, will follow all developments and will respond once there is finality with regard to these matters.

The reference to Mr Ngobeni as Dr appeared in the University's internal newsletter in error. His qualification, Doctor of Jurisprudence, was incorrectly interpreted as being a doctorate, and hence the reference. This title was not claimed by Mr Ngobeni.

Issued by Gerda Kruger, Executive Director: Communications and Marketing