Lerato Mbhiza
President Cyril Ramaphosa has formally removed Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe from office following his impeachment by Parliament in February.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said President Ramaphosa has, in accordance with Section 177 (2) of the Constitution, removed Judge President Mandlakayise Hlophe of the Western Cape Division of the High Court from judicial office . The action follows the National Assembly resolution to remove Judge Hlophe as stipulated in section 177 (1) (b) of the Constitution, he said.
Hlophe’s removal followed his impeachment last week when the National Assembly voted in favour of his removal, with 305 votes that included those from the ANC and the DA. Only 27 MPs voted against his removal.
This makes Hlophe the first judge to be impeached since the dawn of democracy and he loses all his benefits and pension.
Hlophe was found guilty of gross misconduct by the Judicial Service
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