South African parliament impeaches Top Judge for misconduct

South Africa’s parliament impeached top judge John Hlophe for misconduct after an investigation revealed attempts to influence justices in a case involving former President Jacob Zuma

South Africa’s parliament made a historical move by impeaching one of the country’s top judges, John Hlophe, for misconduct.

An investigation revealed that Hlophe, the leading judge in Western Cape province, attempted to influence justices at the nation’s highest court in a case involving former President Jacob Zuma.

In 2008, he approached two justices to seek their support for Zuma in a decision related to a corruption case.

Despite Hlophe’s denial of the accusation, the impeachment process was delayed significantly because of extensive appeals and investigations. This marks the first removal of a judge since the start of South Africa’s democratic era in 1994.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is now responsible for approving the decision and determining the date for their formal removal. The judges will lose all benefits, including a lifetime monthly salary exceeding 1 million rand ($53,000), a car allowance, and comprehensive medical insurance.

On Wednesday evening, Hlophe became the first judge to be impeached, with MPs voting in favor by the required two-thirds majority.

The decision received support from the ruling African National Congress (ANC) as well as the main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) and other minor parties.

Source: Newsroom

#haber#