Parliament has voted decisively in favor of impeaching suspended Western Cape High Court Judge President John Hlophe, with a significant majority of 305 members endorsing the motion. Only 25 members of the National Assembly voted against his removal.
This impeachment follows Hlophe’s unsuccessful attempt to interdict the process in the Western Cape High Court.
House chairperson Cedric Frolick announced that the matter will now be forwarded to President Cyril Ramaphosa for final approval.
The impeachment process has been ongoing for years, stemming from allegations in 2008 that Hlophe attempted to influence the Constitutional Court’s decisions regarding search and seizure raids involving Jacob Zuma and Thint.
In 2021, the Judicial Services Commission found Hlophe guilty of gross misconduct, leading to his suspension by President Ramaphosa in December 2022.
Various political parties, including the ANC, DA, IFP, UDM, supported the motion to impeach Hlophe, citing the need for accountability and upholding the rule of law. However, the EFF, ATM, and PAC opposed the motion, characterizing it as unjust and politically motivated.
EFF MP Busisiwe Mkhwebane argued against Hlophe’s removal, asserting that he merely discussed legal matters with colleagues and was unfairly targeted.
DA MP Glynnis Breytenbach emphasized the importance of judicial integrity and the message sent by Hlophe’s impeachment regarding the commitment to the rule of law.
IFP chief whip Narend Singh stressed the necessity for judges to adhere to ethical standards and uphold the rule of law, expressing support for the justice committee’s recommendation to remove Hlophe from office.