FREEDOM Under Law (FUL) has raised concerns with participation of Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema and advocate Dali Mpofu in the interview process for the selection of the country’s next Chief Justice.
Four senior judges are being interviewed by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) for the position.
FUL said Malema and Mpofu should step aside from the process as JSC members as they are subject to serious ethical charges.
FUL pointed out that Malema was recently found to have breached Parliament’s Code of Ethical Conduct. During the JSC interviews for the appointment of judges, Malema had asked an “inappropriate question” to a judge concerning a matter in which he had a personal interest.
It was recommended that Parliament ask Malema to apologise to the judge and the JSC for his conduct.
FUL stated that Parliament is yet to deliberate on the matter, adding that it appeared that Malema was “unrepentant”.
Meanwhile, Mpofu was investigated by the Legal Practice Council (LPC) for his conduct at the Zondo Commission last year when he demanded that a colleague – and later her client – “shut up” and interrupted Acting Chief Justice and commission chairperson Judge Raymond Zondo when he attempted to control the proceedings.
The LPC found that Mpfu’s conduct was aggravated by his having being “contemptuous” towards Zondo, and having refused to accept a rebuke from him.
FUL said Malema and Mpofu should stand aside from service on the JSC as long as they are subject to these serious ethical charges.
“Unless and until they successfully challenge the findings, they are not fit to pass judgment on the ethical and professional qualities of others,” FUL said.
- * CreamerMedia
