The presidency has denied allegations that President Jacob Zuma influenced the Judicial Service Commission's decision regarding Judge John Hlophe.

The controversial Western Cape Judge President may return to work on Monday after the JSC said it would not continue investigating whether he interfered with Constitutional Court cases relating to Zuma.

It recently emerged the JSC's commissioners, who were appointed by Zuma, had all voted in Hlophe's favour.

It is understood the JSC‘s six commissioners voted for Hlophe while four had voted against him.

Those who voted against him included two judges — an academic and an attorney.

Three people appointed by President Zuma, Advocates Vas Soni, Ishmael Semenya and attorney Andiswa Ndoni joined Justice Minister Jeff Radebe in voting to clear him along with two other lawyers — Marumo Moerane and Mvuseni Ngubane.

Zuma made some of the appointments only two months ago.

"The president respects the independence of the judiciary therefore how will he interfere?" asked the president's spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.

Hlophe is likely to return to work ahead of interviews for Constitutional Court appointments.

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