South Africa's chief justice has begun an inquiry into allegations of racism by a senior judge

BBC News:

John Hlope, judge president of the Cape division of the High Court, who is black, is alleged to have insulted a white attorney.

Supporters of Judge Hlope believe he is the victim of a smear campaign.

Since the advent of democracy in 1994, South Africa has tried to increase the number of black judges in a judiciary once dominated by whites.

The inquiry led by Chief Justice Pius Langa began in Cape Town on Sunday. It follows repeated speculation in the media about Judge Hlope's alleged remarks.

Approached by journalists for comment as he left the hearing, Judge Hlope said: "Oh please, could people leave me alone."

But 13 of the 28 full and acting judges of the Cape bench have signed a statement in support of Judge Hlope, saying he was being subjected to a campaign by "unknown forces".

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