Johannesburg High Court dismissed his earlier review applicationThe Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein is yet to hear Judge Hlophe’s application against the high court’s decision.
Judicial Service Commission spokesperson Doris Tshepe says, “The reason it wasn’t done was, there was a possible suspension and the JSC had agreed that we will not make a decision regarding suspension, pending the decision of the High Court, on the review. That decision has since come, and so the JSC was following its processes. There was no pressure from anybody. This was part of the decision of the JSC processes.
BLA President Bayete Maswazi says, “We noted and we respect the decision that is reposed to both the institution of the Presidency as well as the institution of the Judiciary Service Commission. But we maintain our view that the removal or the procedure to remove Judge President Hlophe has had its own problems. The misconduct itself was characterised by the judiciary conduct committee and how the matter has been handled by the JSC.
“The President has not as yet commented on the matter. And we must respect at all times, respect the separation of powers. We are a legislative arm and the JSC has not recommended it to us. They are recommending it to the president. We are going to get a quote from there whether the matter is going to be brought to us as the national assembly or not.”Congress of the People in Parliament says it supports the decision of the Judicial Service Commission for Hlophe to be suspended.
COPE National Spokesperson Dennis Bloem says, “The integrity and dignity of the judiciary must always be protected. Nobody is above the law. We support this step. It is a step in the right direction. Judge President John Hlophe – a dark cloud is hanging over his head. He must be suspended.”