The Anglican Church of South Africa (ACSA) has confirmed that Advocate Jeremy Gauntlett SC KC has stepped down from the inquiry panel investigating John Smyth’s abuse, amid allegations of his own sexual misconduct.
Archbishop Thabo Makgoba accepted Gauntlett’s resignation on 17th January 2025, after receiving a letter the previous evening detailing the allegations, which were unrelated to the Smyth case.
Gauntlett, along with former Supreme Court of Appeal judge Ian Farlam and former UCT vice-chancellor Dr Mamphela Ramphele, was part of the panel set up to examine Smyth’s abuse of at least 85 boys in England, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
Archbishop Thabo explained that Gauntlett offered to resign following the threat of the allegations being made public, and Gauntlett’s decision was accepted to avoid any potential conflict of interest, ensuring the inquiry would proceed without hindrance.
Justice Ian Farlam and Dr Mamphela Ramphele, who are also on the panel, agreed to continue with the investigation, which is expected to conclude soon.
