Hlophe's deadline extended

2008-06-30 13:41

Cape Town - The Judicial Service Commission has given Cape Judge President John Hlophe until Monday to respond to the Constitutional Court's complaint against him.

Commission spokesperson Marumo Moerane said on Monday: "The deadline was Friday but they asked for an extension until close of day on Monday."

Moerane said he would only be in a position late on Monday to say whether Hlophe had sent in his response.

Hlophe is accused of attempting to improperly influence the court in a matter involving ANC leader Jacob Zuma.

Last week, two Constitutional Court judges said they made it clear to Hlophe when he allegedly approached them, that his conduct was highly improper.

The two judges' claims were contained in statement made by Chief Justice Pius Langa on behalf of the Constitutional Court.

The statement related how Hlophe met with acting judge Chris Jafta and Beth Nkabinde, and allegedly tried to persuade them to rule in favour of Zuma in his upcoming Constitutional Court appeals.

According to the statement, both judges were reluctant to take the matter further. However, after it was discussed at length by all of the court's judges, a decision was taken to lay a complaint with the JSC.

- SAPA