Judge claims his actions were persuasive but evidence leader argues it was harassment
The evidence leader in the sexual harassment tribunal suggests Mbenenge’s accuser seemed to be distancing herself via the tone of her responses to his texts
WhatsApp evidence
Mbenenge says flirtatious texts with his accuser were sensual, not sexual
The Eastern Cape judge president denied sending nude photos and argued that text message exchanges with his accuser, Andiswa Mengo, reflected mutual interest, not harassment
Judge president’s emoji expert disputes accuser’s claims
The defence focused on challenging the sexual harassment allegations, arguing Selby Mbenenge’s interactions with former court secretary Andiswa Mengo were consensual
Gender expert biased towards judge president Mbenenge, lawyer says
Mbenenge’s counsel Muzi Sikhakhane said his sexual harassment accuser Andiswa Mengo did not fit gender expert Lisa Vetten’s description of a woman who could not stand up for herself
Expert says power imbalances shaped Mengo’s response to alleged sexual harassment by judge
Gender-based violence specialist Lisa Vetten tells a tribunal the complainant used ‘different strategies to communicate reluctance and unwillingness’
Female & Guardian | Andiswa Mengo and the judge who could not read between the lines
This week’s testimony explored whether Mengo’s WhatsApp replies reflected the careful diplomacy women use to reject senior officials without risking their careers
Tribunal hears forensic proof of WhatsApp communication in Mbenenge sexual harassment case
The judicial conduct tribunal’s outcome could reshape women’s rights, workplace safety and equality in South Africa’s male-dominated judiciary
