3. The inquiry resumed on 12 March 2009 at Durban Magistrates' Court. Ms Maharaj pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Commission led evidence on 18 August 2009 and the presiding officer found Ms Maharaj guilty on the first two counts and on counts 9, 10 and 12. No evidence was led on count 11 and, as a result, she was acquitted. She was also acquitted on count 13. 4. The Presiding Officer passed sentence on 15 April 2010 and concluded that each count on which she was found guilty "hits at the integrity of a judicial officer". Having reviewed all the facts before her the Presiding Officer recommended that Ms Maharaj be removed from office as contemplated in section 13 of the Magistrates Act, 1993 (Act no 90 of 1993). The Commission resolved to accept the findings of the Presiding Officer and to recommend to the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development to remove Ms Maharaj from office in terms of section 13 of the Magistrates Act, 1993.