Tebogo Msimanga |
The Democratic Alliance (DA) says it welcomes the Judicial Conduct Tribunal’s (JCT) finding that Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe is guilty of gross misconduct.
DA Shadow Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Glynnis Breytenbach said Hlope’s behaviour through the years have “destroyed” the reputation of the Western Cape Division of the High Court. “He is a blight on the judiciary, and it is about time he suffered the most serious consequences of his actions.”
In March 2021, Freedom Under Law said it is not concerned with the political consequences of Judge Hlophe’s dismissal of the corruption case against ANC MP Bongani Bongo. “Our concern is its implications for the administration of justice. “This particular decision is clearly wrong and shows what harm just one dishonest judge can do.” Said Freedom Under Law Chair Johann Kriegler.
Jugde Hlope found Bongo not guilty on a charge of corruption on the basis of insufficient evidence.
The DA said it is calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to appoint a retired judge to investigate all allegations of undue influence and possible bribery of members of the judiciary as part of the so-called “Project Justice”, said to have been part of the nefarious activities of the State Security Agency.
