Azapo is highly disturbed by the emerging tendencies of members of the judiciary to be embroiled in controversies which tarnish the image of their respectable institution.

Azapo is highly disturbed by the emerging tendencies of members of the judiciary to be embroiled in controversies which tarnish the image of their respectable institution.

It is really disturbing to witness this trend of activities that may lead to loss of respect for those in the judiciary.

Judges are expected to be beyond reproach as true guardians of our legal institutions. They are known to be mild-mannered people of grace whose conduct should not be subject to suspicion.

It is because of this type of concern that we hope there is no truth in the matter involving Judge John Hlophe and his colleagues at the Constitutional Court.

This allegation is discomforting, particularly as it comes after the "Oasis" saga, the VW issue that involved Judge Fikile Bam, the Judge Siraj Desai mishap, and the drunken driving case of Judge Nkola Motata.

We, however, hope that once the truth has been established, particularly in the current Hlope matter, the law will then take its course.

Judge Hlophe knows the truth about the matter and would do the judiciary a lot of good by taking leave while the matter is still being investigated.

Dan Habedi, Azapo secretary general, Johannesburg