Cape Town — New EFF MP, Busisiwe Mkhwebane, has launched a full-scale attack towards Chief Justice, Raymond Zondo, alleging he does not know what he wants to be.
She was participating in a debate regarding the budgetary review and recommendation report for the office of the chief justice on Thursday.
According to EWN, Mkhwebane alleged that Zondo has been playing politics, adding that his independence as the head of the Constitutional Court is questionable.
Oppostition parties have continuously called for Office of the Chief Justice to operate independently from the Department of Justice, and to control its own budget.
“The office of the chief justice was made a standalone department to emphasise the independence of the judiciary,” the report quoted Mkhwebane as saying.
She added: “The current Chief Justice seems not to know whether he wants to be a judge or a politician. It’s too easy for the Chief Justice to make politically charged statements whenever he gets an opportunity.
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“The Chief Justice has been going around making political statements and saying the NPA [National Prosecution Authority] must charge the former president.”
Mkhwebane, who accused him of “politicking” as opposed to doing his primary job as head of the judiciary, TimesLIVE reported.
Mkhwebane referred to the chief justice as “comrade Zondo” as she pointed out his role in the involvement in the political commentary that might compromise his office, the report said.
ANC whip Bheki Radebe, however, objected to Mkhwebane’s speech, saying she “dealt unfairly with the chief justice”.
House chairperson Cedric Frolick, said they will formally communicate with Mkhwebane and, if she failed to back up her claims towards Zondo, appropriate action will be taken against her for questioning the integrity of a judge.
“It is a reflection on the incumbent chief justice, so such a substantiated motion is presented to the house, failing which the speaker may decide on the appropriate action to be taken,” Frolick said, according to the report.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
