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Eastern Cape Judge President Defends Claims of Sexual Harassment
EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, JUL 7 – Judge President Selby Mbenenge denies allegations of sending explicit messages amid the first formal sexual harassment complaint in South Africa's Judicial Service Commission history.
Today, Judge President Selby Mbenenge faces a Judicial Conduct Tribunal session at 9:30 am, marking the first major sexual harassment case involving him in the JSC process.
A formal complaint by court secretary Andiswa Mengo in January 2023 alleges sexual harassment by Judge President Selby Mbenenge, prompting the tribunal's current investigation.
Evidence includes WhatsApp messages with sexual emojis and nicknames like ‘big girls,’ recorded in logs, showing suggestive conduct by Mbenenge.
In response, Mbenenge has taken special leave without suspension and maintains the WhatsApp exchanges were consensual flirtation.
Beyond the current case, if convicted, Judge President Selby Mbenenge could become only the third judge in South African history to face impeachment, marking a significant judicial precedent.