The Constitutional Court has ruled that impeachment against the Public Protector can proceed.

The apex court had provided clarity on the disputes regarding this process.

It also dismissed Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwabane’s challenge against the inclusion of a judge in the independent panel that will advise Parliament on the possible removal.

The court ruled against National Assembly Speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula’s appeal against a High Court decision to allow Mkhwebane to have full legal representation during the impeachment process.

The Democratic Alliance’s attempts to remove Mkhwebane from her position as Public Protector began in 2017.

And two years later, the National Assembly formulated rules that provide a 17-step process to remove the head of a Chapter Nine institution.

The base for this process will be drawn from the alleged incapacity, misconduct, or incompetence of the office bearer.