The National Assembly Speaker, (NA) Nosiviwe Maphisa-Nqakula has welcomed the decision of Judge President of the Western Cape High Court, John Hlophe, to withdraw his urgent appeal to prevent parliament from hearing and considering the Judicial Services Commission’s request to remove him from office.
Hlophe was found guilty of misconduct for attempting to influence two judges to rule in favour of the former president Jacob Zuma during his arms deal corruption trial in 2008.
During his appeal, Hlophe argued that the process that led to his conviction was unconstitutional and invalid.
In her statement, NA speaker, Maphisa-Nqakula, said she would abide by the judgment of the Gauteng Division of the High Court.
In her explanatory affidavit, the Speaker argued that the impeachment proceedings, which are currently with the portfolio committee on justice and correctional services, will begin after the current constituency period, which ends on November 3, 2021.
The speaker said Judge President Hlophe should not expect his case to be heard before November 2021.
“The court has directed the parties to agree on a reasonable timetable for the exchange of affidavits and heads of arguments, which will be submitted to the office of Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court, after which a judge will be assigned,” Maphisa-Nqakula said.
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