Complainant breaks down in tribunal probing sex harassment claims against EC's top judge
Andiswa Mengo battled to compose herself after explicit WhatsApp messages between herself and the senior judge were read out before the tribunal.
Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge. Picture: Judges Matter
JOHANNESBURG - Emotional scenes played out in Rosebank on Tuesday afternoon during the testimony of a woman who has accused Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge of sexual harassment.
Andiswa Mengo battled to compose herself after explicit WhatsApp messages between herself and the senior judge were read out before the tribunal.
Mengo, who was a junior employee in the division at the time, said that the sexual advances were unwelcomed, despite the judge president's claims that they were consensual.
The tribunal, which will sit for two weeks, is tasked with investigating the allegations against the senior judge.
An emotional Mengo needed a brief moment to compose herself after she broke down before the tribunal.
At the time, Mengo was being probed on the WhatsApp messages sent by her senior, Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge, asking her about sexual positions.
Evidence leader, advocate Salome Scheepers, read out the messages before the tribunal.
"Whichever position might come first with a question mark. So he’s asking you. You said: 'I'll go with whichever. But there's a word I like, surprise.' Just explain to us that reply."
It was then that it seemed Mengo had reached her breaking point.
"Chair, I see the witness is getting emotional now. Ms Andiswa, do you want us to adjourn for five minutes? A few minutes will do. Thank you."
The hearing resumed only briefly afterward.
The sitting will now continue on Wednesday, with Mengo expected to furnish the tribunal with further details and provide clarity on some of her submissions.