The Judicial Service Commission has recommended that Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge be formally suspended pending impeachment proceedings over gross misconduct findings related to sexual harassment allegations.
Mbenenge has been on special leave since 2023 following accusations that he sexually harassed a junior secretary at the court. A Judicial Conduct Tribunal ruled in January that he was guilty only of a degree of misconduct after reviewing evidence including messages and emojis.
The JSC rejected that finding in April and recommended impeachment instead, citing an imbalance of power and describing sexual harassment as an affront to judicial office. Mbenenge has challenged the decision in the High Court in Pretoria, calling it unreasonable and unlawful.
At its June meeting the JSC resolved to recommend suspension to President Cyril Ramaphosa. It stated that formal suspension is precautionary to protect the judiciary's integrity while the removal process continues, and noted submissions from both Mbenenge and the complainant, Andiswa Mengo.
