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The Judicial Conduct Tribunal is currently conducting a hearing in Rosebank, Johannesburg on the complaint lodged by Andiswa Mengo, against Judge President Selby Mbenenge of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court.
WARNING: This story contains testimony of a sexually explicit nature and may upset sensitive listeners.
The Judicial Conduct Tribunal has heard that Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge allegedly asked Judges’ Secretary Andiswa Mengo to perform oral sex in his chambers.
Mengo, who accuses Mbenenge of sexual harassment in the form of in-person and electronic communication during the period June 2021 to November 2022, is currently on the witness stand testifying on the alleged conduct.
On Monday morning, evidence leader State Advocate Salome Scheepers turned to the events of the week of 14 November 2022 where Mengo, in an emotional testimony, alleged that the top Judge allegedly propositioned her to perform oral sex.
Adv. Scheepers: “…And you say he was also fiddling with his zip?”
Complainant Mengo: “Yes, that is correct.”
Adv. Scheepers: “What else happened?
Complainant Mengo: “He asked me if I didn’t want to suck it (Witness cries). May we take an adjournment chair…”
LIVE | Judicial Conduct Tribunal Hearing for EC Judge President Mbenenge | 20 January 2025:
The tribunal also heard evidence that this alleged incident was followed by Mengo seeking a roundtable discussion, featuring other Judges within the division to address the alleged conduct – but this did not occur.
Mengo testifies that she then turned to her WhatsApp status to expose the alleged exchanges between her and the Judge President after she was told that Mbenenge had allegedly branded her as a “liar”.
The process eventually led to her turning to the Office of the Chief Justice where she laid a formal complaint.
Mengo paints a picture to the Tribunal that it was allegedly not Mbenenge’s first rodeo. This, as she testified that it was revealed to her that she was not the first.
Complainant Andiswa Mengo says, ” The person mentioned it and said you are not the person to come here and speak about this very same person.”
Adv. Scheepers: “Who is that person that told you this?”
Complainant Mengo: “Adv. Potgieter”
The tribunal continues.
