Umm Mohamed Umar, 2016-05-10

The African National Congress (ANC) says high court judge Mabel Jansen’s conduct should be addressed rapidly to avoid projecting a negative impression of the judiciary.

Jansen has received a backlash for controversial comments she made last year suggesting that rape is part of black culture.

The Facebook comments have been reported to the Judicial Services Commission which has been called on to investigate.

ANC spokesperson Zizi Kodwa says Jansen’s comments disprove the belief that judges are free of bias, saying “this reveals that there are issues of stereotypes even within the bench.”

At the same time, the Democratic Alliance says (DA) says the JSC’s judicial conduct committee must establish whether Jansen had contravened her judicial oath.

Jansen, meanwhile says instead of labelling her a racist, the country should address what she calls the real issue of protecting vulnerable women and children.

Edited by Faizel Patel