The Judicial Conduct Tribunal currently hearing testimony about the sexual harassment case brought against the Eastern Cape judge president Selby Mbenenge by High Court secretary Andiswa Mengo is set to hear more witnesses poke holes in her testimony.
The witnesses will testify that Mbenenge was in his office on the day he allegedly committed a sexual harassment offence.
Mbenenge is currently sitting before the Judicial Conduct Tribunal for allegedly sexually harassing Mengo. The latter works at the Makhanda High court in the Eastern Cape. Mbenenge denies the allegations.
Focus on one particular incident
Recapping on Mengo’s testimony on Friday morning, defence advocate Muzi Sikhakhane said Mengo told the tribunal that Mbenenge called her to his office, where he asked if he wanted to suck his manhood.
“Please read that part for the panel again, Miss Mengo,” requested Sikhakhane.
“Later on the day, he invited me to his office. And when I was inside he showed me his trouser and said ‘do you see the effect that you have on me’? He unzipped his pants and took out his erect penis and I ran out of the office,” said Mengo, reading her statement.
Sikhakhane then told the tribunal that his client said that is not the truth. He said that he saw Mengo in the morning on that date.
Mbenenge’s secretary to be brought in as defence
“My client’s version is that, this incident did not occur. He informed me that on the said day, he was lecturing. After that he went to the bank and was with his secretary in his office after that,” said Sikhakhane.
“He is lying,” Mengo responded.
In a turn of events, Sikhakhane told the tribunal that Mbenenge’s secretary will come to the tribunal and give testimony.
“The judge president’s secretary, Zintle Nqayi, will come and testify that the respondent [Mbenenge] was stationed at his office with her. Zintle will also tell us that you left at 16:30 and she left at around 16:45, after you had left,” said Sikhakhane.
Emojis expert to also be brought in
Earlier in the week, Sikhakhane also informed the tribunal that a cellphone expert and an emojis analyst will join the tribunal and give testimony on the omitted messages between Mengo and Mbenenge.
Mengo said she will wait for the judge president’s secretary to come and testify.
“I would be glad if she comes. I will wait for her to come,” she replied.
The hearing continues.
