JSC picks 3 candidates to take up seats on SCA

JOHANNESBURG - The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has settled on three seasoned judges to take up seats in the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA).

Judge Piet Koen, the Western Cape's Judge Elizabeth Baartman and the Gauteng division’s Judge Phillip Coppin were announced as the successful candidates and will be recommended to the president.

Six candidates were interviewed on the first day of sittings on Monday.

It's a fourth time lucky for judges Baartman and Koen, who will now ascend to the Supreme Court, while Judge Coppin gets the job after his second interview.

During Koen's interview on Monday, his recusal in former President Jacob Zuma's arms deal matter was once again brought up by commissioner Glynnis Breytenbach.

"Would you decide differently in that matter today? Would you still recuse yourself bearing in mind that the recusal has set that case back three years? 

koen: "With respect, I take issue on the last statement. Another judge was appointed shortly thereafter and the delays have not been because of the recusal, he could have proceeded and dealt with it."

On Tuesday, the commission will interview candidates for posts in the land court, the labour and labour appeals courts and the Eastern Cape High Court.