A junior judge's secretary in the Eastern Cape has accused the Eastern Cape Judge President of sexual harassment. The Judicial Conduct Tribunal is investigating the allegations, which stem from WhatsApp conversations and alleged inappropriate comments. The judge's advocate argues that the interactions were consensual flirtation, while the accuser claims she felt pressured and fearful due to the judge's position of power.
Andiswa Mengo, a junior judge's secretary in the Eastern Cape, filed a complaint against Judge President Selby Mbenenge, alleging unwanted sexual advances. The Judicial Conduct Tribunal currently investigating these claims heard testimony that the WhatsApp conversations between Mbenenge and Mengo were characterized as 'consensual flirtation.
' During cross-examination, Mbenenge's advocate, Muzi Sikhakhane, questioned Mengo's account, suggesting that her sexual responses to Mbenenge's messages constituted 'flirtation' and that she had also sent sexually suggestive messages to him. Sikhakhane further argued that Mengo had not been truthful in her complaint, claiming she omitted her own 'salacious' messages to portray herself as the victim and Mbenenge as the perpetrator. He described her as a 'little girl who is scared,' implying that she was attempting to exaggerate the situation to her advantage.Mengo, represented by advocate Nasreen Rajab-Budlender SC, maintained that she felt pressured to respond to Mbenenge's advances due to his position of power. She expressed fear of retaliation and stated that she responded sexually in an attempt to maintain peace in the workplace. Mengo emphasized that her motivation for coming forward was to empower other women and encourage them to share their experiences. She stated that she hoped her case would inspire others to speak out against sexual harassment and hold powerful individuals accountable.The tribunal continues to deliberate on the evidence presented, weighing Mengo's account against Sikhakhane's arguments and the nature of the WhatsApp conversations. The outcome of this case has the potential to significantly impact the Eastern Cape judiciary and set a precedent for addressing sexual harassment claims against high-ranking officials
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