2. The Select Committee noted that Ms Oliphant was employed by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development since 01 February 1994 and was appointed as Magistrate on 06 May 2002. Ms Oliphant was subsequently absent from office from 25 April 2008 to 10 November 2008. 3. A preliminary investigation was conducted in terms of Regulation 26 (1) of the regulations for Judicial Officers in Lower Courts, 1994, into allegations of Ms Oliphant's absenteeism from office without leave or valid cause.