MAKHANDA- Eastern Cape High Court Judge President Selby Mbenenge is facing explosive allegations of sexual harassment from his former secretary, Andiswa Mengo, Mengo testified before the Judicial Conduct Tribunal on 15th January 2025 at Southern Sun Hotel, Rosebank in Johannesburg that Mbenenge sent her explicit WhatsApp stickers, including images of his private parts, accompanied by a message: “bj” that she interpreted as a request for “blow job“.
She recounted the disturbing incident, stating that Mbenenge sent the stickers on 17 June 2021, at about 21:32. She described the images, saying it was clear that Mbenenge “was standing above the toilet cubicle.”
When asked by evidence leader Salome Scheepers if she could see Mbenenge’s face in the image. She answered that she could not see Mbenenge’s face in the image.
Furthermore the tribunal chairperson, retired Judge President Bernard Ngoepe, has ruled that while WhatsApp messages between Mbenenge and Mengo can be released to the media, the disputed images cannot be released “until the tribunal rules on the case.”
Mengo’s testimony has shed light on the alleged incidents which she claims were part of a broader pattern of harassment.
In addition, Mengo stated that Mbenenge’s actions made her feel ’embarrassed, shocked and disrespected.’
Mengo also expressed her fear of losing her job and feeling powerless due to Mbenenge’s position of authority, Mbenenge has denied any connection to the images, setting the stage for a contentious battle over evidence.
The tribunal’s investigation will be crucial in determining the outcome of this case which has sparked widespread concern about the pervasive culture of sexual harassment within the legal profession and South African society as a whole.
Photograph: supplied
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