Parly's impeachment vote against Hlophe, Motata 'significant' & 'historic' - Judges Matter

JOHANNESBURG - Judiciary watchdog, Judges Matter, has described as "significant" and "historic" Wednesday’s parliamentary vote on Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe and Gauteng High Court Judge Nkola Motata’s impeachment.

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has found both judges guilty of gross misconduct - Hlophe for improperly attempting to influence two Constitutional Court justices; and Motata for offensive remarks he made at an accident scene and advancing a defence he knew was untrue at his ensuing trial.

And in November, the Portfolio Committee on Justice recommended they be impeached.

However, the matter now has to go to a vote in Parliament, where a two-thirds majority is required in order to finally unseat them.

As Judges Matter’s Mbekezeli Benjamin explains, this is a first for South Africa.

"It’s significant because it will be the first time that Parliament votes on the impeachment of two judges and it’s historic because both judges have previously been found guilty of gross judicial misconduct by the JSC and it's now Parliament that has to vote on whether or not they should remain in office."

There’s a lot on the line for Hlophe and Motata.

Benjamin points to the fact that should they be impeached, they’ll lose their salaries, which they would otherwise be entitled to for life, as well as all the accompanying benefits, including housing and medical aid benefits.

"They’ll also lose the title and status of a judge and may no longer be referred to as judges."

How the vote, scheduled for 4pm on Wednesday afternoon will pan out, though, remains to be seen.