Hlophe denounces impeachment as 'political persecution'
Former Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe believes the decision to impeach him was politically motivated.
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.
The Judicial Conduct Tribunal unanimously found Hlophe guilty of gross misconduct.
Hlophe was accused of trying to influence Justices Chris Jafta and Bless Nkabinde in a corruption case involving former president Jacob Zuma and arms company Thint in the multi-billion-rand arms deal.
The tribunal also found that Hlophe's conduct seriously threatened and interfered with the independence, impartiality, dignity and effectiveness of the Constitutional Court, effectively threatening public confidence in the judicial system.
He now joins the uMkhonto weSizwe as a parliamentary chief whip.
Hlophe maintains that his removal from the bench was a political decision.
“I’m here now in Parliament to serve the people of this country. The decision to impeach me was a political decision. There was no law in it. So, I’m here as a politician to join other politicians head-on.”
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