Tribunal hears how EC Judge President attempted to have sexual relations with junior staff member
Andiswa Mengo laid a complaint against Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge in 2023 following interactions in 2021 and 2022.
A screengrab from the South African Judiciary channel. Retired Judge President Bernard Ngoepe is chairing the tribunal into Eastern Cape Judge President, Selby Mbenenge.
JOHANNESBURG - The tribunal probing allegations of sexual harassment against Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge has heard how the senior judge attempted to have sexual relations with a junior member of his staff.
While the judge denies sending explicit photos to the much younger woman, he has admitted to what he has described as consensual interactions between them.
The judge president appeared before the tribunal, which will sit for two weeks as it investigates the alleged misconduct.
READ: Tribunal hears from woman who laid sexual harassment complaint against EC judge president
Andiswa Mengo laid a complaint against Mbenenge in 2023 following interactions in 2021 and 2022.
The 63-year-old judge president has not disputed his desire to have sexual relations with a junior staffer in his division at the time.
At the time of the exchanges, Mengo was 37 years old.
However, the judge disputes sending sexual photos to Mengo.
But Mengo claims that Mbenenge was persistent with his advances and even went as far as requesting photos from the junior.
Despite this, the disgraced judge alleges that the interactions between them were consensual.
Probed on what her response was, Mengo, through interpreter Lungi Ngaphi made the following submission.
"No. Why would I send him a picture? He does see me at work. Why must I send a picture to him with my phone?"
The tribunal has adjourned with hearings set to continue on Tuesday where further details of the exchanges will be ventilated.