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The IFP welcomes the judgement handed down today in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.

The urgent application to interdict the Public Protector's remedial action by President Cyril Ramaphosa has succeeded and we welcome this judgement. We believe that all individuals must be treated equally and fairly and that no one is above the law.

It appears that the Public Protector’s actions in this case are a witch-hunt and this is cause for great concern for this all important Chapter 9 institution.

Judge Letty Molopa-Sethosa said “it is "mind-boggling" why the Public Protector did not agree to having the remedial action stayed pending the outcome of Minister Gordhan's review application.”

The scathing judgement handed down revealed that different processes and procedures were followed in this matter and as facts were contended by the court, it appears that proper procedures have been flouted.

In terms of the cost order brought against the Public Protector and others, it is a grave shame that her office will have to once again cough-up for costs which directly means South Africans are paying for this case.

The IFP remains extremely concerned with the Public Protector’s actions and the myriad of issues facing her personally and the high office she holds.

It is unfortunate that South Africans are currently watching a soap-opera of legal cases piling up in front of their television screens. Our country right now does not deserve this.

We are pleased that the courts and the judiciary as a whole are ensuring that the different arms of the state are held accountable and that checks and balances remain as part of our democratic values.

Issued by IFP