Independence of SA judiciary under the spotlight

Bizos' remarks are an attempt to defend the independence of the judiciary

Executive director for research at the University of South Africa, Tinyiko Maluleke, says recent statements by retired chief justice Arthur Chaskalson and lawyer George Bizos is an attempt to defend the independence of the judiciary.

He says this comes in the wake of questions raised about the fairness of ANC president Jacob Zuma's case. Chaskalson and Bizos expressed in a statement that the implication has been made that the judiciary as a whole lacks the independence and integrity to ensure that Zuma will receive a fair trial.

Maluleke says there are conflicting views on the independence of the judiciary.