While the NPA argued the Nkabinde enquiry had become adversarial the panel chairperson Bess Nkabinde said the Prosecuting Authority cannot play referee in its own case

The policy prohibits consensual sexual intimacy in court buildings and discourages romantic relationships between members of the judiciary

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

A dispute over gender expert Lisa Vetten’s testimony in judicial misconduct has forced the tribunal to postpone, allowing the respondent time to study the evidence summary report

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

An independent, rigorous process for investigating complaints of abuse of power of a sexual nature must be set up to provide guidance for tribunal investigations