MK Party Deputy Leader John Hlophe (Photo by Luba Lesolle/Gallo Images via Getty Images)
John Hlophe resigned as a member of the Judiciary Committee (JSC) on Monday. Hours later, interviews continued to fill vacancies on the Supreme Court of Appeals and High Court in John Hlophe's absence.
Umkhonto Wisizwe (MK) party spokesperson Nhlamulo Nderela said Hlofe's decision was taken to “not legalize an illegal process”.
This is a reference to the MK Party's argument recently argued in the Western Cape High Court that the committee would not have a quorum if Mr Hlophe was not allowed to take part in the interview.
The High Court ruled differently, ordering the Democratic Alliance and the Corruption Watch to allow him to participate in interviews with judicial nominees until the conclusion of the second part of the court's challenge to the reasonableness of his appointment to the board. issued an emergency injunction prohibiting the
Both parties and Freedom Under Law argued in court that Parliament failed in its constitutional duty to act in a manner that protects and promotes the impartiality and independence of the judiciary by rubber-stamping the MK party's recognition. Appointment of impeached judges to committees.
Mr Hlophe was head of the High Court's Western Cape division until he was suspended by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the end of 2022 and ultimately impeached by Parliament in February this year.
This follows the JSC's recommendation, which upheld the court's finding of gross misconduct against Mr Hlofe, who was trying to persuade two Constitutional Court judges to rule in favor of former president Jacob Zuma in a matter related to the arms deal corruption case. It was due to
Hlophe joined the MK party as its leader after the May elections.
The party sent a letter of demand to Chief Justice Mandisa Maya last week, threatening legal action if the JSC did not postpone the interview this week.
By a vote of 20-1, the JSC decided to proceed with the interview.
The MK party proceeded to court, but the Johannesburg High Court rejected the urgent application over the weekend.
JSC learned of Hlofe's resignation “through the media”