MK lawyer Mpofu holds up bid to block Hlophe from JSC

There was a tense exchange yesterday as advocate Dali Mpofu attempted to raise an objection during the legal proceedings involving former judge John Hlophe.

- Molefe Seeletsa

The Western Cape High Court in Cape Town is hearing urgent applications brought by the DA and other organisations, including Freedom Under Law (FUL).

In part A of the review application, the DA seeks interim relief to prevent Hlophe's designation to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

Part B of the application calls for the review and setting aside of the National Assembly's decision to appoint Hlophe to the JSC, which was met with significant criticism.

To avoid potential conflicts of interest with Hlophe's former colleagues, Gauteng High Court judges Colleen Collis and Selby Baqwa, along with Free State High Court Judge Johannes Daffue, have been appointed to preside over the case.

Mpofu, representing the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, argued yesterday that the DA and Corruption Watch's interdict applications were a waste of the court's time.