Tribunal hears from woman who laid sexual harassment complaint against EC judge president

JOHANNESBURG - The woman who laid a sexual harassment complaint against Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge has expressed discomfort at the messages she received from the judge.

Andiswa Mengo gave evidence before the tribunal probing allegations against the senior judge.

In undisputed messages between the two parties, the judge allegedly commented about Mengo's body, which she attributed to exercise and good behaviour.

The judge president then asked her how she could prove that she behaved herself well.

Evidence leader, advocate Salom Scheepers probed Mengo on the interactions.

"And then the respondent requested to you how would you prove it. How did you feel about that response from him and what did you think of it? What did you think he meant by that comment? How did you see it?"

As the details of these WhatsApp messages were ventilated before the tribunal, Mengo's responses were also placed on the record.

After the judge asked questions about her body, Mengo gave the following response as assisted by interpreter, Lungi Ngaphi: "You are the one who wants to look at it. My part would be giving you a task."

Mengo accused Mbenenge of sexual harassment, following a series of unwanted sexual advances made towards her.

However, Mbenenge has denied this and said they were consensual.