Justice Minister urged to deal with Hlophe issue

'What measure (is) the Minister of Justice going to put into place to ensure the speedy and transparent conclusion regarding the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) inquiry into the allegations against Cape Judge President John Hlophe,' the DA asked in a written parliamentary question tabled yesterday, according to a report on the Mail & Guardian Online site. DA spokesperson Tertius Delport said the DA had noted with great concern Hlophe's continued 'obvious contempt' for judicial process. This comes after confirmation that Hlophe had again failed to answer questions on his relationship with investment group Oasis. Hlophe had failed to meet a deadline set to answer questions put to him by the JSC. According to Business Day, JSC spokesperson Milton Seligson SC said yesterday he was unable to anticipate what steps the commission would decide to take, but he said he expected the commission to give the matter its attention as soon as possible and well before its October meeting. Meanwhile, law academic, Pierre de Vos argues (in TODAY's ANALYSIS, below) that Hlophe has shown contempt for 'the whole notion of transformation because he so blatantly uses it for his personal gain'. Full report on Mail & Guardian Online site Full Business Day report