DA calls on Hlophe to explain retainer allegations

The Democratic Alliance has called on Cape Judge President John Hlophe to respond urgently to allegations that he was on a 10-thousand rand a month retainer while he was judge president. Noseweek magazine says Hlophe was on a retainer from the Oasis Group. DA MP Sheila Camerer says Justice Minister Bridget Mabandla should also explain whether she granted permission to Hlophe to receive this retainer and to head up the Imbilo Trust, which owns a significant stake in Oasis Asset Management. Camerer points out that judges are not allowed to derive income outside that of their judicial posts, unless permission to do so is expressly granted by the Minister.