Tribunal to start hearings into sexual harassment claims against EC Judge President Selby Mbenenge

JOHANNESBURG - The Judicial Conduct Tribunal is expected to begin hearings on Monday into allegations of sexual harassment by Eastern Cape Judge President, Selby Mbenenge.

The allegations stem from sexual advances made by the senior judge between 2021 and 2022 towards Andiswa Mengo, a secretary in the Division of the High Court at the time.

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Mengo filed the complaint against her superior, stating that the suggestive advances he made were unwelcome. However, the judge, who has since been placed on special leave, argues the interactions were consensual.

The sitting of the Judicial Conduct Tribunal probing allegations of sexual assault against a judge is the first of its kind.

It’s expected that some of the details surrounding the allegations of inappropriate WhatsApp messages will be fully fleshed out.

The complainant, Mengo, also alleges the Judge President attempted to expose himself to her in his chambers - a claim Mbenenge denies.

The tribunal will sit for two weeks, with parts of the hearing held in camera.

At the end of the sitting, the tribunal will submit a report to the Judicial Service Commission.

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