Complainant details how alleged sexual harassment at the hands of EC judge impacted her
Andiswa Mengo is continuing her testimony in a tribunal probing allegations she levelled against Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge.
Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge. Picture: Judges Matter
Please note that the following story contains graphic details of a sexual nature.
JOHANNESBURG - A secretary of the Eastern Cape High Court has detailed how the alleged sexual harassment at the hands of her boss impacted her.
Andiswa Mengo is continuing her testimony in a tribunal probing allegations she levelled against Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge.
The evidence leader, advocate Salome Scheepers has, for six days, questioned Mengo on the interactions she had with the top judge.
The junior staffer alleges the judge president sent her crude and explicit photos on WhatsApp and even attempted to expose himself to her in his chambers in 2022.
READ: High Court secretary tells tribunal how she kept rejecting Mbenenge's sexual advances
Before wrapping up her leading evidence, Scheepers asked the witness about the emotional effect the alleged ordeal has had on her.
"It broke me. It took away my dignity. It took away the kindness that I have always shown to my colleagues and people around [me]. It left me naked. And it tore me apart."
Speaking through an interpreter, Mengo also stressed the impact the alleged interactions have had on her work.
"It was difficult, it is still difficult to hang around my colleagues. It made me a loner. I no longer speak or share as I used to do before because, at work, I’m a bubbly person. Socially, I cannot even hold a relationship."
Mengo said she is also not as productive as she used to be.
She added that she is forgetful and attends counselling sessions from time to time.
Cross-examination by the respondent’s counsel advocate Muzi Sikhakhane continues.