Efforts are being made to impeach Judge President Hlophe

The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the decision by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to uphold the recommendation that Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe faces impeachment.

The Judicial Conduct Tribunal found Judge President Hlophe guilty of trying to influence Constitutional Court Justices Chris Jafta and Bess Nkabinde in 2008 to rule in favour of former President Jacob Zuma in his corruption trial with French arms company Thales.

The DA Shadow Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Advocate Glynnis Breytenbach, says the DA fully supports Hlophe’s impeachment and will vote in favour of his removal, even though the process took nearly 13 years.

“We view the JSC’s decision as a victory for the rule of law and the importance of judicial independence,” said Advocate Breytenbach.

He said in order to protect the independence of the Western Cape Bench, it is imperative that the JSC suspend Judge Hlophe pending the outcome of the impeachment procedure.

Judge President Hlophe has compromised his impartiality, which a judge must possess, according to the DA, and his actions demonstrate that he is unfit for this position.

“He has completely tarnished the Western Cape High Court’s reputation as an independent body,” said Advocate Breytenbach.

Breytenbach stated that it is highly desirable for the JSC to suspend Judge Hlophe pending the completion of the impeachment process to preserve some independence for the Western Cape Bench, since it is imperative for Ramaphosa to suspend him.

“We sincerely hope that all other parties will vote to achieve the two-thirds majority needed in terms of Section 177 (1) (b) of the Constitution to remove Hlophe. It will also demonstrate that Parliament is serious about protecting the judiciary, “said Breytenbach.

Breytenbach said it is crucial that Hlophe be suspended immediately in order to preserve the independence and status of the judiciary.

“A judiciary under scrutiny like never before can not afford to have a president who openly disregards the rule of law and its independence,” added Breytenbach.