JSC to discuss Hlophe complaint

2012-04-02 14:09

Cape Town - The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is set to discuss re-opening a complaint involving Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe later this month, it said on Monday.

Asked if the JSC would do so in the light of last week's Constitutional Court ruling on the matter, JSC spokesperson CP Fourie said: "That appears to be the case."

On Friday, judges of the Constitutional Court said they were preserving the "fairness" of the court's process when they denied Hlophe's application for leave to appeal a misconduct case between him and themselves.

It was the first time the court, the highest in the country, has had to hear a case in which some of its judges were involved, and has faced a conflict of interest.

In 2008, the judges told the media they had laid a complaint against Hlophe with the JSC, claiming he had made an improper attempt to influence a case related to President Jacob Zuma.

Hlophe had counter complained that his rights were violated when the judges sent the media statement.

The judges made no order on Friday on Hlophe's actual complaint, but the effect of their judgment is that the JSC must reopen the matter.

Fourie told Sapa that the JSC had a scheduled sitting from April 16 to April 20, and it would be discussed at that time.

- SAPA