Cape Town — Following the impeachment of former Western Cape High Judge President, John Hlophe, he found an unlikely ally in the form of Economic Freedom Fighter’s (EFF) leader, Julius Malema.
Parliament made the decision on Wednesday after 305 MPs voted in favour and 27 against impeaching Hlophe, which ended a legal battle that started in 2008. The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) found Hlophe attempted to influence Constitutional Court judges Chris Jafta and Bess Nkabinde to rule in favour of former president Jacob Zuma, EWN reported.
Following this decision, Malema emerged as an unlikely supporter of Hlophe. Despite previously clashing with Hlophe and describing him as “the most worrying thing about our judiciary” in 2017, Malema had a change of heart and vowed that history will be on Hlophe’s side.
“Don’t be scared my brother, history will absolve you. We should meet soon and plot the way forward but my immediate proposal is that you form something like Freedom Under Law or the Hellen Suzman Foundation and you continue to mark these racists. We can assure you that you will never go to bed hungry and this is inspired by the battle cry “An Injury To One Is An Injury to All”. We love you JP Hlophe, freedom is coming on 29 May 2024.” Malema said on X.
Don’t be scared my brother, history will absolve you. We should meet soon and plot the way forward but my immediate proposal is that you form something like Freedom Under Law or the Hellen Suzman Foundation and you continue to mark these racists.
We can assure you that you will… pic.twitter.com/ePuYWOu94o
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) February 21, 2024
According to TimesLIVE, Hlophe appeared on an EFF podcast with party MP, Omphile Maotwe. He told Maotwe that his mosfortunes were a result of political party influence. Despite being found guilty by the JSC, the decision to suspend him was politically motivated.
“When this thing started in 2008, I went on suspension. I took voluntarily suspension and I was off the bench for 18 months. I was cleared by the JSC on September 29 2009. Then I went back and worked until my suspension in December 17 2022,” he said.
The response to the Hlophe decision was a mixed one. While some argued that the decision was long overdue, others felt he was the victim of racist targeting, which EFF MP, Busisiwe Mkhwebane, said, The Citizen reported.
“Judge President Hlophe, a distinguished judge and an exceptional legal scholar, is about to be the first victim of a toxic and unforgiving culture of impelling black people who dare stand up against the dominant liberal and racist discourse in this country and more pronounced in the Western Cape. His only sin is that he simply discussed law with his colleagues.” Mkhwebane said.
She added that the EFF, who were among four parties who did not vote, rejected the abuse towards Hlophe and deemed it “unconstitutional behaviour”. She added that it was not about justice but rather whites flexing their political power to punish Hlophe, adding that the ANC should be punished instead.
Suspended Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe has been impeached after 305 MPs voted for his removal while 27 were against. EFF MP Adv. Busisiwe Mkhwebane is being punished for probing racism.
Watch: https://t.co/EV3upBOMmC#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/y418gdnXaQ
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) February 22, 2024
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: X/@EFFSouthAfrica
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Matthew Petersen
