JSC meets on Hlophe matter
Publish date: 10 April 2007
Issue Number: 1801
Diary: Legalbrief Today
Category: Corruption
The matter of impeachment proceedings brought against Cape Judge President John Hlophe, who is accused of gross misconduct and gross incompetence by a leading advocate, will be discussed by the Judicial Services Commission today.
A report in The Mercury says Peter Hazell SC asked the JSC last August to investigate a string of accusations against Hlophe. In its last meeting, the Commission decided to give Hlophe the right to reply before the matter could be finalised. Commission president, Chief Justice Pius Langa, confirmed that Hlophe was back on the Commissions agenda and asked for patience until the matter had been dealt with. A statement will be issued after the matter has been discussed, he said. A formal impeachment inquiry can be launched in terms of Section 177 of the Constitution, a situation that has never occurred in SA. The Commission adopted rules in October governing its procedures for a formal inquiry that could lead to the removal of a judge. Full report in The Mercury (subscription needed)
