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 Eastern Cape judge president denied sending nude photos and argued that text message exchanges with his accuser, Andiswa Mengo, reflected mutual interest, not harassment

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

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

Gender-based violence specialist Lisa Vetten tells a tribunal the complainant used ‘different strategies to communicate reluctance and unwillingness’

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