Judge appears unsympathetic to Ramaphosa's concerns about impeachment committee

This occurred during the Western Cape High Court hearing of Ramaphosa's urgent application to halt the impeachment proceedings pending a review of the Section 89 Independent Panel report. Advocates for the African Transformation Movement ATM and MK party argued that Ramaphosa has fabricated issues concerning the impeachment process. Ramaphosa's lawyer, Advocate Wim Trengove SC, questioned whether the panel applied the correct test in concluding that the president had a case to answer, emphasizing the need for "sufficient evidence."

Trengove also reiterated the president's fear of a "humiliation ritual" if the impeachment process proceeds before his review application. However, Judge Francis noted that the review application could lead to further legal processes, potentially delaying a definitive statement on the president's actions and keeping the public waiting. He suggested that accountability mechanisms should continue in parallel with the review.

Trengove countered that while people must be protected against "delinquent presidents," they also need protection against impeachment proceedings that could humiliate a president without justification. He also argued that the president should not be blamed for delays in the case, as