Controversial Judges John Hlophe and Nkola Motata Removed From Office, South Africa Relieved

• Judges Nkola Motata and former Chief Justice John Hlophe have been removed from their offices as judges
• This came after members of Parliament cast their votes against them because Hlophe was accused of trying to influence the court, and Motata was found guilty of drunk driving
• South Africans were relieved and believed that these decisions took too long and should have been passed years ago

Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News current affairs journalist in Johannesburg, South Africa, has covered policy changes, the State Of the Nation Address, politician-related news, elections at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News for over seven years. Do you have a hard news story you would like to share? Email tebogo.mokwena@briefly.co.za with CA in the subject line.

Parliament has officially removed judges John Hlophe and Nkola Motata from their positions as judges. An overwhelming majority of the members of Parliament voted to have them removed for gross offences.

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Hlophe and Motata impeached

According to a statement released by Parliament, Hlophe, the former Judge President, was accused of trying to influence judges regarding former president Jacob Zuma and the controversial Thint contract. Retired judge Nkola Motata was found guilty in 2009 of a drunk driving charge after he went viral for driving into someone's wall while heavily under the influence.

Parliament also revealed that 305 MPs voted for Hlophe to be impeached, while 296 voted for Mothata to be removed from office. Judges Matters commented that the judgements were historically significant and symbolically important in protecting the nation's judicial integrity and promoting accountability.

Netizens relieved, say it's long time coming

Netizens who commented on @karynmaughan's tweet about the impeachment of Motata.

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Takalani said:

"Job well done. MPs earning their salaries today."

Charles Parry commented:

"Finally. This sends a good message that no one is above the law. Drunk driving is a serious offence, but this should not have taken 16 years to get to this point."

Kieno Kammies:

"Could not have happened to a better bunch of judges."

Thabo Melo:

"18 years later. This should have been done long ago."

Nick van Graan :

"Took long enough. What a scandal. What happens to the millions he earned during this glacial process?"

John Hlophe says he was suspended for political reasons

In a similar article, Briefly News reported that John Hlophe claimed he was suspended for political reasons.

The now-impeached former judge president told the Economic Freedom Fighters' podcast that his suspension was unlawful and that President Cyril Ramaphosa was under political pressure.

South Africans sided with him and slammed Ramaphosa, accusing him of being a puppet.

Source: Briefly News