Hlope misconduct: DA welcomes Tribunal decision

11 April 2021

Note to Editors: Please find attached soundbite by Adv Glynnis Breytenbach MP.

The DA welcomes the Judicial Conduct Tribunal’s (JCT) finding that Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe is guilty of gross misconduct.

Hlope’s behaviour through the years have decimated the reputation of the Western Cape Division of the High Court. He is a blight on the judiciary, and it is about time he suffered the most serious consequences of his actions.

Parliament must now deliberate on his removal in terms of Section 177(1) of the Constitution which states that “A judge may be removed from office only if the Judicial Service Commission finds that the judge suffers from an incapacity, is grossly incompetent or is guilty of gross misconduct”.

The DA again calls on President Cyril Ramaphosa to appoint a retired judge to investigate all allegations of undue influence and possible bribery of members of the judiciary as part of the so-called "Project Justice", said to have been part of the nefarious activities of the State Security Agency.

Issued by Glynnis Breytenbach, DA Shadow Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, 11 April 2021