Johnathan Paoli
THE National Assembly has officially impeached Western Cape Judge President John Hlope and retired Gauteng High Court Judge Nkola Motata in a historic case in that this is the first time the legislature has impeached two judges since the democratic dispensation of 1994.
Hlophe’s removal follows the recommendation of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services, which handled his impeachment process after the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) found the judge guilty of gross misconduct.
The national committee chairperson, Bulelani Magwanishe, said the judiciary’s independence remained paramount, and that the courts needed to function without interference or influence from others.
“A judge bears the responsibility of upholding the independence, integrity, and authority of the court. When the very same judges are found wanting, how do we then hold them accountable? Who judges the judges?” the ANC MP said.
DA MP Glynnis Breytenbach said that Judge Hlope’s career was
You’ve reached your free article limit
Subscribe to enjoy unlimited access to trusted journalism. Cancel anytime.
Subscribe nowNeed help? molokom@insidepolitic.co.za
