Friday proceedings off to emotional start at tribunal probing sexual harassment claims against Mbenenge

JOHANNESBURG - Proceedings have gotten off to an emotional start at the Judicial Conduct Tribunal hearing allegations of sexual harassment against Eastern Cape Judge President, Selby Mbenenge.

This as high court secretary, Andiswa Mengo, broke down while delivering testimony on the alleged sexual advances made towards her by the senior judge.

The tribunal heard how the junior staffer received explicit messages from the top judge.

Mbenenge does not dispute some of the interactions and submits that they were consensual.

In July 2021, Mengo, who is also a law student requested the assistance of the Eastern Cape judge president for an assignment on gender-based violence.

However, instead of help, Mbenenge sent Mengo a photo of a seemingly half-naked woman.

Evidence leader, Advocate Salome Scheepers probed the complainant on the matter.

However, Mengo struggled to compose herself: “How did that picture that you received of this lady sitting there make you feel?” asked Scheepers.

An emotional Mengo responded: “Can I get a moment, chair please?”

The tribunal adjourned briefly.

Mengo has since submitted that the image made her feel naked.