5. During this time, however, the magistrates concerned have continued to receive their salaries and benefits. The Committee was told that once convicted, magistrates are asked to show cause why their salaries should not be suspended. The Committee believes that, if appropriate, this step should be taken much earlier in the proceedings. If this were done, any abuse of process aimed at delaying proceedings to continue to receive benefits, would be discouraged. The Committee also notes the inconsistency in the cases of Magistrate Masinga, who is still receiving his salary pending the outcome of his appeal, despite his conviction for attempted murder on 23 May 2011, and Magistrate Maruwa, who was convicted of fraud and theft on 29 September 2009, but is still receiving his salary.