On Monday I will write to the Presiding Officer of the JSC, Chief Justice Pius Langa, to urge that he expedites its investigation into Judge John Hlophe. This issue threatens the very foundation of our constitutional democracy and must be resolved without delay.

Judge Hlophe's reported comment that the full bench of the Constitutional Court is talking "utter rubbish" in stating that he attempted to influence Constitutional Court judges, makes his position untenable.

Judge Hlophe must do the right thing and step down forthwith. His belligerence on this issue and past experience suggests that he will not. The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) must therefore take decisive action to require that he does so.

The foot-dragging and politicisation that marred the JSC's previous investigation into allegations against Hlophe must not be allowed to happen this time around.

The DA will also seek to discover at whose behest Hlophe sought to influence the Constitutional Court . It is unlikely that he would have risked further damage to his already tarnished reputation without pressure or an inducement to do so.

The JSC has an opportunity to prove beyond doubt that it is able to rise above party political interests. If it does not grasp it with both hands, the JSC risks destroying its own credibility and that of the entire justice system.  Our constitution is at stake in this matter.

Statement issued by the Democratic Alliance June 1 2008