FUL to legally challenge Hlophe's appointment to JSC
Freedom Under Law says it will legally challenge Parliament’s decision to elect the MK party’s John Hlophe as one of its representatives on the Judicial Service Commission.
The impeached Western Cape judge president is one of six National Assembly members who will serve on the JSC.
Freedom Under Law says it is inappropriate and irrational for an individual who was found to have committed gross misconduct and removed from judicial office to now be in a position to decide on the suitability of candidates for judicial appointment.
"It is well known that Dr Hlophe was removed as a judge for committing serious misconduct, and to have someone who has those adverse findings against him be involved in the appointment of judges is completely inappropriate, irrational and undermines public confidence in the judiciary and legal system,” said Freedom Under Law's Chris Oxtoby.
Hlophe was impeached by Parliament in February after the Judicial Service Commission found him guilty of gross misconduct.
The charge stemmed from his attempt in 2008 to influence two Constitutional Court judges to rule in favour of former president Jacob Zuma in his arms deal corruption case.
"We strongly believe that it is susceptible to legal challenge, and it was a mistake for Parliament to have voted for his designation as JSC commissioner,” Oxtoby added.
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