CAPE Judge President John Hlophe is still not back at work.

CAPE Judge President John Hlophe is still not back at work.

On Monday Hlophe said he was waiting for a letter from Justice Minister Jeff Radebe officially authorising his return to work.

The minister's spokesperson, Tlali Tlali, told Sowetan that Radebe had sent the letter the same day.

"The path for his return to office has now been cleared. He should be able to return as soon as he is able to do so."

But yesterday Hlophe's attorney Barnabus Xulu, said though the judge "had" now received the letter, he was still applying his mind to it.

"He must consider it and reply to the Minister of Justice. I understand the letter says he has been cleared. He will go back to work as soon as it is practical," Xulu said.

But Hlophe's secretary told Sowetan yesterday that she had "no idea" when Hlophe would be back at work.

The Cape Bar Council said the Judicial Service Commission decision on the Hlophe matter meant the long process of restoring faith in the judiciary could now begin.

Council chairperson Jeremy Muller said: "Repairing the inevitable divisions which these unfortunate events have engendered can at least now commence."