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CAPETOWN. — President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended Western Cape judge president John Hlophe from his duties pending a decision of the National Assembly.
The Presidency in a statement said the decision was based on advice from the Judicial Service Commission.
“In order to ensure continuity and stability in the work of the divisional high court, the suspension which is in effect immediately, is on condition that Judge President Hlophe completes all part-heard matters and reserved judgments.”
Six people have appeared in court for the alleged possession of a pangolin.
Ntsimane David Mokgosi, 49, Paul Gaafele Molatole, 31, Tinashe Paradzai, 30, Pule Petrus Ratshwene, 30, Lekang Duncan Thabeng, 38, and Sydney Vingirayi, 28, appeared before the Zeerust Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
They were arrested on Saturday after they were found at a garage with the pangolin in the boot of their vehicle, said police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh.
“They were arrested after failing to account for the possession of the pangolin, valued at R60 000,” Myburgh said.
They were all remanded until their next court appearance on Tuesday, 20 December. The City of Cape Town’s Steenbras Nature Reserve has been closed due to flooding.
Recent heavy rains in the province caused the closure of Clarence Drive near Gordon’s Bay, following rockfalls and mudslides, and has necessitated the closure of access to Steenbras Nature Reserve, said Eddie Andrews, Mayco member for Spatial Planning and Environment. The reserve is popular with day visitors and hikers.
The public will not be able to access a popular hiking route due to the closure, and nature reserve staff will be assessing damage to the trail. — News24
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter