Retired justice of the Constitutional Court of South Africa and Freedom Under Law Chairperson Johann Kriegler has called for the Judicial Service Commission to suspend Judge John Hlophe following the dismissal of former Minister of State Security Bongani Bongo's corruption case on Friday.
Hlophe dismissed Bongo’s case of allegedly attempting to bribe Eskom inquiry evidence leader Ntuthuzelo Vanara.
Kriegler said Bongo’s acquittal constitutes yet another act of gross misconduct unfitting Hlophe for judicial office.
Kriegler said he was concerned at the implications for the administration of justice.
“This particular decision is clearly wrong and shows what harm just one dishonest judge can do,” he said.
He claimed that Judge Hlophe is unfit to be a judge since he tried to pervert the course of justice against former president Jacob Zuma thirteen years ago.
“His contrived reasoning and perverse ruling last week demonstrate how dangerous it has been to allow him to remain on the Bench. An exemplary case of corruption has been frustrated, the corrupt deed has gone unpunished and decent public servants have been defamed,” Kriegler said.
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