Johannesburg – Opposition parties have welcomed the findings of the Judicial Conduct Tribunal investigating Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe, which has found him guilty of gross misconduct.
According to Constitutional Court Justices, Chris Japhta and Bess Nkabinde, Hlophe approached them to influence a decision on a case involving former President Jacob Zuma and French arms company, Thales.
The ruling against Hlophe came more than a decade since the claims were made.
Opposition parties said he must now face the consequences.
“This matter needs to be discussed as a matter of urgency by the JSC and referred to Parliament for sanction,” said the Democratic Alliance (DA)’s Glynnis Breytenbach.
Leader of the Congress of the People (Cope) Mosioua Lekota agreed: “Cope welcomes the judgement. It shows that within our laws, there are sufficient checks and balances to protect the public against abuse.”
However, legal expert Seba Jazbay said that the ruling did not amount to a guilty verdict and it could take years to impeach Hlophe.
“All of this can take a period of seven to maybe 10 years, it doesn’t mean that he is guilty, it means the JSC has found him to be in breach.”
