The Judicial Conduct Tribunal investigating allegations of s.e.xual harassment against Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge is on Monday expected to resume in Sandton, Johannesburg.
In May, the tribunal ruled in favour of having research associate at Wits University, Lisa Vetten, testify before it.
Vetten is the final expert witness to be called, and she’s expected to shed light on power dynamics and gender in the workplace, a recurring theme in the submissions before the tribunal.
Tribunal investigating allegations
The tribunal is probing Mbenenge’s conduct after high court secretary, Andiswa Mengo, accused the top judge of making unwanted sexual advances towards her between 2021 and 2022.
Earlier in 2025, Mengo testified in her evidence-in-chief that she was forced to tread carefully in her interactions with her senior.
Panel chairperson, retired Judge President Bernard Ngoepe, ruled that Vetten would be allowed to testify despite Mbenenge’s legal counsel arguing that her testimony may not be relevant or material.
“So, having considered the matter properly, we have the view that we should rather err on the side of caution. Rather allow evidence, even though there is argument about its relevance, allow it nevertheless to be given.
“We allow it to be given because we are confident that if it is irrelevant, we’ll be able to hold accordingly at any time. Contrast that with a situation where you exclude evidence which might well be relevant and material.”
In other news – Makhadzi reveals shocking abuse by ex-boyfriend
Award-winning singer Makhadzi has stunned fans with harrowing revelations of physical abuse she allegedly suffered at the hands of her ex-boyfriend.
The Ghanama hitmaker, whose real name is Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, took to Facebook in a series of emotional posts and videos to share her painful experience. In a video posted online, Makhadzi showed a scar on her forehead, claiming it was the result of a brutal beating. Read More
