×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Judge Hlope's son wants convictions set aside

The convictions include fraud relating to the purchase of a luxury car

After pleading guilty to and being convicted of fraud, defeating the ends of justice and violating the Identification Act, Thuthuke Exton Hlophe, the son of Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe, now wants to plead not guilty.

In February, the case was postponed to Wednesday, when sentencing proceedings were to have commenced.

However, people attending the proceedings were told the case was  secretly placed on the court roll on June 1, when it was postponed to September 9.

The record of court proceedings in the matter, including what transpired on June 1, was not available, as it had already been forwarded to the Western Cape High Court for a special review.

However, it is understood that Hlophe had retained new counsel and was arguing that his previous counsel incorrectly advised him to plead guilty.

He now wants his six convictions set aside, which only the High Court may consider.

The convictions include two fraud counts relating to the purchase of a luxury car and eucalyptus wooden floorboards, and three counts concerning false information he furnished in order to obtain a loan at Capitec. On a charge of defeating the ends of justice, he gave the police a false name.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.