/ 17 June 2008

Constitutional Court to continue Hlophe meeting

An extraordinary meeting of Constitutional Court judges will continue on Tuesday to decide how to proceed with a complaint they made to the Judicial Service Commission about Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe, Business Day has reported.

Hlophe allegedly tried to influence judges in cases involving African National Congress president Jacob Zuma.

The Star said on Monday that the judges would discuss how they could back up their ”undue influence” claims against Hlophe.

Monday’s meeting came after two Constitutional Court judges, who Hlophe allegedly tried to lobby for pro-Zuma rulings, said they never intended to complain against him and would not do so.

While not explicitly denying that Hlophe attempted to influence them, Judge Bess Nkabinde and Acting Judge Chris Jafta revealed that they met Chief Justice Pius Langa and Deputy Judge President Dikgang Moseneke two days before the court made its explosive claims against Hlophe — and were clear that they would not make statements on the matter.

Nkabinde and Jafta said they would not object to the chief justice telling the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) about the discussion.

On Tuesday the court is expected to advise the JSC on whether it has any evidence supporting its allegations against Hlophe. — Sapa