Mbenenge tribunal: Anti-GBV protestors disturb proceedings
The judge president’s cross-examination by evidence leader, advocate Salome Scheepers, was interrupted as anti-gender-based violence (GBV) protestors made their way into the open proceedings carrying placards.
A protester disrupted the proceedings of the Judicial Conduct Tribunal investigating allegations of sexual harassment against Eastern Cape Judge President, Selby Mbenenge on 9 July 2025. Picture: Sphamandla Dlamini/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - Protestors have caused a slight disruption in the proceedings of the Judicial Conduct Tribunal investigating allegations of sexual harassment against Eastern Cape Judge President, Selby Mbenenge.
The judge president’s cross-examination by evidence leader, Advocate Salome Scheepers, was interrupted as anti-gender-based violence (GBV) protestors made their way into the open proceedings carrying placards.
The tribunal is sitting in Sandton, Johannesburg, as it continues its misconduct probe against the judge president.
He is accused of making unwanted sexual advances towards high court secretary, Andiswa Mengo, between 2021 and 2022.
The proceedings of the fact-finding body have been ongoing since January and have raised eyebrows in the legal community and the country.
"Justice for Mengo. Sexual harassment equals GBV."
These are the words written on a placard carried by a woman who barged into the proceedings of the tribunal.
This brought proceedings to a halt for the tribunal to consider the incident.
Panel chairperson, retired Judge President Bernard Ngoepe, warned the public not to turn the tribunal into a theatre.
"These proceedings are open. Any member of the public can come in and listen as they wish but they should not come in to come and perform on stage in here because we are only the people who are authorised to perform on this stage."
The woman was quickly whisked out of the room and off the premises.
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