NATIONAL NEWS - The DA’s legal challenge against Parliament’s designation of Dr John Hlophe, impeached former judge, and uMkhonto we Sizwe Member of Parliament, to the Judicial Services Commission, has succeeded with costs.

Helen Zille, DA Federal Council Chairperson, released a statement this afternoon saying the Western Cape High Court found parliament violated the constitution by designating Hlophe to take up a seat on the commission. 

"As a previously impeached judge who breached his judicial oath, he was found to be unfit to continue serving as a judge, which undermines the integrity and compromises the legitimacy of any JSC process he may be involved in to appoint further judges."

Zille said the High Court order to bar an impeached judge from serving on the Judicial Services Commission, is a victory for the rule of law, and the constitution.

"The Judicial Services Commission must play its role as interviewing and disciplinary body for the judicial arm of Government through members who are themselves fit and proper and above reproach. The judgment of the High Court stresses that 'public confidence in the judiciary’s composition and administration of justice is vital' - a sentiment with which the DA firmly agrees," Zille said.

Retired Judge Hlophe was impeached due to findings of gross judicial misconduct stemming from a 2008 incident involving attempts to influence Constitutional Court justices in a case concerning former President Jacob Zuma.

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