KEY POINTS
- Judge Derek Wille testified that suspended Judge Mushtak Parker accused then-Judge President John Hlophe of assault but later retracted the claim
- Parker submitted contradictory affidavits and presented a broken key as evidence, but his inconsistent statements have raised questions about his credibility.
- The case has sparked a broader debate about judicial integrity and accountability, with ten judges filing complaints against Parker and legal experts calling for greater transparency in the judiciary.
In a dramatic turn of events at the Judicial Conduct Tribunal, Western Cape High Court Judge Derek Wille testified on Monday that suspended Judge Mushtak Parker sought his assistance following an alleged physical altercation with then-Judge President John Hlophe.
According to the EWN, the tribunal is currently investigating allegations of gross misconduct against Parker, who has been accused of filing contradictory statements regarding the incident.
The case has sent shockwaves through South Africa’s judicial community, raising questions about the integrity and conduct of senior legal figures.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has been closely monitoring the proceedings, which could have far-reaching implications for the judiciary’s reputation.
The alleged assault and contradictory affidavits
According to Wille, Parker approached him in his chambers on 25 February 2019, visibly distressed, seeking counsel after an alleged assault by Hlophe. “He was clearly shaken and needed advice on how to proceed,”
Wille recounted. Parker reportedly presented what he claimed was evidence of the altercation, including a broken key. “He brought a key along, which he said broke when he fell against the bookcase in his chambers after being struck by the judge president,” Wille testified.
However, the situation took a puzzling turn when Parker, after deposing an affidavit detailing the incident, decided not to file it officially. Instead, he left the document with Wille and requested that it be sent to his personal email.
Later that same day, Parker returned with two additional affidavits, both signed by a commissioner of oaths, and asked Wille to keep them in his possession.
This unusual behavior has raised eyebrows, with critics questioning Parker’s motives and the credibility of his claims.
The tribunal has revealed that ten judges have filed complaints against Parker, accusing him of submitting contradictory statements. Initially, Parker accused Hlophe of assaulting him, only to retract the allegation a year later.
This inconsistency has cast a shadow over Parker’s credibility and has become a focal point of the tribunal’s investigation.
