At its meeting on Monday 25 July 2022, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), deliberated and resolved to advise  President Cyril Ramaphosa to suspend Judge President Hlophe in terms of section 177 (3) of the Constitution.

This is following the decision of the JSC on 25 August 2021 made in terms of section 20 (3) of the Judicial Service Commission Act 9 of 1994 that Judge President Hlophe is guilty of gross misconduct.

Last night, Premier Alan Winde virtually attended the meeting of the Judicial Service Commission

Premier Winde made it clear: “Given the serious nature of the finding of gross misconduct, I voted in favour of suspending him. This recommendation will now go to President Cyril Ramaphosa.”

This matter dates back to early 2008, when Hlophe was alleged to have approached two Constitutional Court Justices to try to convince them to make rulings in favour of then aspirant President, Jacob Zuma, in corruption cases in which he was implicated.

Hlophe tried in vain to challenge his conviction, needlessly further drawing out this debacle. In May this year, the Gauteng High Court – which heard his unsuccessful review application – ruled that the protracted litigation was “probably unique in the history of our judiciary.

“This offence is very serious,” the Premier emphasised, “and given how long this saga has been dragging on, I believe it must now be concluded.”

He hopes the President will act swiftly in suspending Hlophe.

The Western Cape Government deeply respects the integrity of the country’s judicial system, and by recommending to suspend the Judge President of the Western Cape High Court, we are sending a clear message: the impartiality and integrity of the justice system must be upheld at all costs because this is what is in the best interests of our country.