The cut-and-thrust of courtroom argument has spilled over into the corridors of power manned by South Africa’s legal fraternity. The fall out around the Judicial Service Commission’s decision not to impeach Cape Judge President John Hlophe has exposed simmering racial tensions and other divisions among lawyers, advocates and judges.

A series of critical challenges looms for the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) as the embattled organisation prepares to re-charge presidential hopeful Jacob Zuma. The Mail & Guardian has established that the Zuma prosecution team has prepared a revised indictment in the light of last week’s Supreme Court of Appeal decision ruling on the legality of the searches of Zuma and his likely co-accused, the French Thint group.

Johnnic Communications (Johncom) chair Mashudu Ramano has emerged as a key behind-the-scenes supporter of the multibillion-rand takover bid by people connected to President Thabo Mbeki. The bid has provoked a storm of protest over its implications for media independence.

Police National Commissioner Jackie Selebi allegedly tipped off his friend, Glenn Agliotti, about a British drugs probe involving him. The allegation, in a statement by former Agliotti associate Clinton Nassif, sheds new light on the defeating the ends of justice charge the Scorpions wanted to bring against Selebi.

President Thabo Mbeki’s attack on the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the fight-back campaign by Jackie Selebi are threatening to derail the Scorpions’ investigation of the police national commissioner and his alleged links with organised crime.

New information has emerged which flatly contradicts the presidency’s denial that President Thabo Mbeki acted to shield police National Commissioner Jackie Selebi by suspending National Director of Public Prosecutions Vusi Pikoli. Information obtained by the Mail & Guardian shows that Pikoli’s suspension marked the beginning of a scramble to protect Selebi.

A German request for help in investigating bribery in the arms deal — a political hot potato that will again test the independence of the criminal justice system — has reached South Africa. A justice ministry spokesperson said he could not confirm receipt of the request for mutual legal assistance, a formal document regulated by diplomatic protocol.

The suspension of National Director of Public Prosecutions Vusi Pikoli will further dent staff morale in an organisation already battered by scandals and a staff exodus. And insiders say it could hamper the Scorpions’ ability to deal with complex cases, including those involving the arms deal and ANC deputy president Jacob Zuma’s alleged corruption.

The Constitutional Court will this week hear argument that could dramatically change the system for foreigners to adopt South African children. The case for the adoption of baby R by an American couple will be argued on Tuesday in Braamfontein after the Johannesburg High Court and Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed attempts by the couple to obtain a custody and guardianship order.