Mabandla won't intervene
2008-06-17 14:22
Johannesburg - Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla will not intervene in the developments surrounding the Constitutional Court and Cape Judge President John Hlophe, "unless asked to", her spokesperson said on Tuesday.
"She doesn't have to get involved in the allegations against the judge. The JSC (Judicial Services Commission) is the correct body to deal with that matter," said Zolile Nqayi.
"The judiciary is independent. We will not intervene unless asked to. There is no reason for us to intervene," said Nqayi.
However, as justice minister, she has an automatic seat on the JSC.
Nqayi explained that she could either choose to recuse herself from the JSC proceedings or, if the matter went as far as impeachment proceedings in Parliament, could choose to recuse herself from that voting process.
Chief Justice Pius Langa, who is also chairperson of the JSC, would also have to recuse himself from any JSC investigation, he explained.
Correspondence on the matter has been signed by Justice Craig Howie, the JSC's deputy chairperson.
Constitutional Court judges were meeting again on Tuesday on how to proceed after releasing a statement that Hlophe allegedly tried to influence the court's judgment.
It was not clear whether all the judges were present.
- SAPA