By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Suspended Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane has suffered another blow after the Western Cape High Court on Friday morning dismissed her bid to interdict the parliamentary process to impeach her from office.
The dismissal of Mkhwebane’s application comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa suspended her with immediate effect until the parliamentary inquiry into her fitness to hold office is concluded.
Ramaphosa suspended Mkhwebane in accordance with section 194 (3)(a) of the Constitution after he had given her until 26 May to give him reasons why she should not be suspended.
Deputy Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka will take over Mkhwebane’s responsibilities.
Judge Nathan Erasmus delivered the judgment on Friday morning, which was co-authored by judges Mokgoatji Dolamo and Derek Wille.
A unanimous decision by a full bench of the Western Cape High Court dismissed Mkhwebane’s application to interdict Parliament from continuing with its impeachment process, and and President Cyril Ramaphosa from suspending her.
They found the “public interest would not be served” by granting the interdict to stop the Parliamentary process.
There is also a personal cost order against Mkhwebane.
The parliamentary impeachment process, known as a Section 194 inquiry, is expected to get underway on 11 July.