The defence counsel for Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge has challenged the testimony of Andiswa Mengo, who alleges that Mbenenge sexually harassed her in 2021. Mengo, a judge’s secretary at the Makhanda High Court, claimed that she responded to Mbenenge’s sexual messages to maintain harmony at work and avoid repercussions from her powerful superior.
During cross-examination at the Judicial Conduct Tribunal hearing in Johannesburg, Mbenenge’s lawyer, Advocate Muzi Sikhakhane SC, questioned Mengo about the omission of her messages from the WhatsApp conversations with Mbenenge. Mengo admitted to concealing this information, stating she had “no reason” for doing so.
Sikhakhane also presented evidence that Mengo had objectified women in her messages, including a statement where she described women as “stoves to be warmed and meat to be marinated.” Additionally, Mengo acknowledged responding to Mbenenge’s sexual messages, including one where she stated she would rather have Mbenenge’s penis inserted halfway in.
Mengo maintained that she was motivated to bring the issue to the tribunal’s attention to support her colleagues who couldn’t speak up for themselves. However, Sikhakhane’s questioning raised doubts about the consistency of Mengo’s testimony and her intentions.
The tribunal must now determine whether Mbenenge’s messages were unwanted and created an intimidating environment for Mengo. As the hearing continues, the defence team’s challenges to Mengo’s testimony may impact the outcome of the case.
