EC Judge President Selby Mabenge could face impeachment

JOHANNESBURG - Embattled Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mabenge could face impeachment as he is set to account before the Judicial Conduct Tribunal in January for sexual harassment allegations.

The complaint against Mbenenge was filed by Andiswa Mengo who works as a secretary in the provincial division of the High Court.

While the Judge has denied the claims - the Tribunal will sit for two weeks in the New Year probing the matter before making a finding.

Section 177 of the Constitution indicates the various circumstances that may lead to the removal of a judge, among them is gross misconduct.

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These claims of misconduct are the basis upon which Judge Mbenenge will appear before the Judicial Conduct Tribunal.

The Tribunal will then make its findings known to the Judicial Services Commission.

If an adverse finding is made against Mbenenge, it could lead to his impeachment.

Since South Africa’s democratic dispensation, only two judges have been impeached as a result of a gross misconduct finding.

Mbenenge has denied the claims of sexual assault, saying that the interactions with the complainant were consensual.