Seth Nthai said on Thursday he had not put his work as a senior advocate on hold because he was admitting he is guilty of corruption but rather because of his respect for the profession.

It was claimed Nthai tried to solicit a R5m bribe from his opponents in an international case in exchange for a settlement.

At the time, he was acting for government in the case over the expropriation of mining rights.

The senior advocate and former Limpopo MEC, who appointed by the presidency to the Judicial Service Commission, will not practice law until the allegations against him are tested.

His lawyer Eric Dunne said Nthai also stepped down as vice chair of the General Council of the Bar.

“He recognizes the very serious nature of some of these claims, and as a result of that and because of his respect for the ethos of our profession; he undertook to relinquish his position.”

It was claimed Nthai approached an opposition client and requested R5m be paid into an offshore bank account, saying in exchange he would get government to settle the case.

The flamboyant advocate, who is well-known for his flashy sense of style, Buddy Holly glasses and quirky turns of phrase, denied any wrongdoing.

(Edited by Deshnee Subramany)