Cape Town — The Democratic Alliance (DA) and Freedom Under Law (FUL) have said it is not attacking Impeached judge John Hlophe’s character but rather questioning how he is in line to serve on the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
Hlophe, who is now a member of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party was in the Western Cape High Court on Friday to challenge the DA’s bid against him. His advocate argued that restricting Hlophe’s role as a member of the National Assembly.
However, the FUL and DA have said it was not trying to get Hlophe disqualified from serving as a commissioner, but rather that the body that recommends judges for appointment, is the same body that recommended Hlophe’s impeachment, EWN reported.
Win Trengrove said FUL believed the NA did not exercise its discretion to promote the stature of the judiciary and act in the public interest, while the DA’s advocate, Michael Bishop, said the NA had undermined the credibility of the JSC.
Judgment has been reserved.
Judgment has been reserved in the matter against John Hlope’s appointment to the Judicial Service Commission. Hlophe’s lawyers argued that he meets the criteria needed to serve in the JSC. But the
DA’s Willie Aucamp says they don’t take today’s defence argument as valuable.“The… pic.twitter.com/Y03Quzskv6
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) September 6, 2024
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, MK spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, said the DA and FUL’s case against him is “racist”.
He said the DA’s case was a frivolous witch hunt against Hlophe and, with his qualifications, was the ideal candidate to serve on the JSC
“He has a B Iuris from Fort Hare, an LLB from [Kwa-Zulu Natal University] and completed his doctorate in the 80s, including him having studied and written articles in customary law,” he said.
“So who is better suited to serve on that committee? Including the fact that Parliament wrote its powers and privileges from the constitution.”
He said that meant Parliament was able to write and make its own rules, which included MPs being eligible to participate in any committee, such as Hlophe’s case
“You’ve got the likes of Glynnis Breytenbach, who was fired for deleting evidence from the NPA, but she can participate as an MP in the same committee,” he said,
“What we are seeing is total hypocrisy from the DA. Nothing else but racism at play,” he added.
[WATCH] MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela says Dr John Hlophe is the perfect candidate to serve in the JSC and the DA, Freedom Underlaw and Corruption Watch case to have Hlophe’s National Assembly designation blocked is a racist move.
Watch: https://t.co/MjSwDn4AQV… pic.twitter.com/XvRjlN8Gvr
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) September 6, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
