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

The defence focused on challenging the sexual harassment allegations, arguing Selby Mbenenge’s interactions with former court secretary Andiswa Mengo were consensual

Zintle Nkqayi worked as Mbenenge’s secretary from 2020 until she resigned in April 2025, citing bad treatment by colleagues who supported his sexual harassment accuser, Andiswa Mengo

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

The director of facilities and security management at the office of the chief justice said he could not explain why the footage was not preserved

This week’s testimony explored whether Mengo’s WhatsApp replies reflected the careful diplomacy women use to reject senior officials without risking their careers

The judicial conduct tribunal’s outcome could reshape women’s rights, workplace safety and equality in South Africa’s male-dominated judiciary