Mbenenge to testify at tribunal probing allegations of sexual harassment against him
The senior judge is expected to give his version of events after High Court Secretary, Andiswa Mengo accused him of making unwanted sexual advances towards her between 2021 and 2022.
Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge. Picture: Judges Matter
JOHANNESBURG - Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge will have his turn in the hot seat on Monday when he testifies before the Judicial Conduct Tribunal investigating allegations of sexual harassment against him.
The senior judge is expected to give his version of events after High Court Secretary, Andiswa Mengo accused him of making unwanted sexual advances towards her between 2021 and 2022.
Mengo alleges that the judge president sent her explicit messages, persistently pursued her, and even attempted to expose himself to her in his chambers in November 2022.
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The long-awaited testimony marks a pivotal moment in proceedings that have gripped the legal fraternity and the country for months.
The tribunal, sitting in Sandton, Johannesburg last week heard testimonies from two witnesses called by the judge president’s legal team in an effort to discredit the testimonies of the junior staffer and several other witnesses called by evidence leader, Advocate Salome Scheepers.
However, the tribunal ruled not to hear the evidence of Mbenenge’s third witness, Makhanda High Court stenographer and Mengo’s ex-friend Unathi Sogoni.
The panel ruled that her testimony is hearsay evidence that is irrelevant in the inquiry. The senior judge has maintained his innocence but has yet to personally address the damning claims that he made unwelcome sexual advances towards his subordinate.
Mbenenge is expected to be on the stand for most of the week and will also face cross-examination from evidence leader, advocate Salome Scheepers.