This is 'what happens to judges in Zimbabwe'

[dArKeR]

Political parties have strongly criticised the police for the arrest of Groblersdal Chief Magistrate Hendrik van der Walt last week, allegedly for defeating the ends of justice.

The New National Party requested an urgent meeting with Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula on Tuesday to discuss the issue, NNP MP and member of the Magistrates' Commission Piet Matthee said.

The supreme authority of the law and independence of the judiciary was the cornerstone of any true and effective democracy, he said in a statement.

Judging by the facts currently at the NNP's disposal, it appeared Van der Walt's arrest was a serious and flagrant violation of the supreme authority of the law and judicial independence.

http://www.mg.co.za/Content/l3.asp?ao=23049