Mbenenge’s former secretary disputes claims he tried exposing his manhood to Mengo
Zintle Nkqayi is testifying before the Judicial Conduct Tribunal sitting in Sandton, where she is being probed on the events of 14 November 2022.
Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge (centre) listens to testimony during the Judicial Conduct Tribunal's inquiry into sexual harassment allegations against him in Sandton, Johannesburg on 1 July 2025. Picture: Sphamandla Dlamini/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - Former secretary to Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge has disputed the allegation that the top judge tried to expose his manhood to High Court secretary Andiswa Mengo in November 2022.
Zintle Nkqayi is testifying before the Judicial Conduct Tribunal sitting in Sandton, where she is being probed on the events of 14 November 2022.
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Mengo, who accuses Mbenenge of making unwanted sexual advances towards her between 2021 and 2022, alleged that the judge president requested that she perform a sexual act on him on the day in question.
Nkqayi is the first witness to be called in defence of the judge who denies the allegation.
Mengo in January testified that Mbenenge summoned her to his chambers on the afternoon of 14 November 2022, pointed her attention to his pants, and asked her to perform a sexual act on him.
But the Nkqayi has a different version of events.
Nkqayi alleged that the judge president went to the bank and delivered a lecture that afternoon.
“He came back, if I were to estimate, around 15:30. He mentioned that at the place where he went to have lunch, he discovered that his bank card had a problem, then he, thereafter, decided to proceed straight to the bank. Then at about, I think 16:15, the time has now come where he has to proceed to the lecture.”
Nkqayi poked more holes in Mengo’s testimony.
Mengo earlier alleged that Nkqayi left the court building before her on the day.
However, looking at the court register before the tribunal, Nkqayi said Mengo left at 4:30 pm, while the register indicates that she left around 4:41.