Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge has denied allegations of sexual misconduct, dismissing claims that he unzipped his pants as “malicious” and unfounded. However, he admitted to asking the question, “can we be intimate?” during what he described as a “flirtatious interaction” with the complainant.
The denial comes amid a judicial conduct inquiry that has placed one of the country’s most senior legal figures under intense scrutiny. While Mbenenge refutes the more serious claims against him, his acknowledgment of making a suggestive comment is likely to raise concerns around the standards of professionalism expected from members of the judiciary.
Mbenenge’s legal team maintains that the exchange was consensual and informal, pushing back against accusations of coercion or impropriety. Nonetheless, the matter has sparked debate about boundaries, power dynamics, and ethical conduct within South Africa’s legal system.
As public trust in the judiciary remains paramount, calls are growing for a thorough and transparent investigation to determine whether Mbenenge’s behaviour was merely personal or crossed a professional line. The outcome of the inquiry could have far-reaching implications for judicial accountability in the country.
