JSC criticised for not recommending EC judge president's suspension over sex harassment allegations

JOHANNESBURG - The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has been slammed for a decision not to recommend the suspension of Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge pending a probe into allegations of sexual harassment.

In December, the JSC referred the complaint by a court official to a tribunal for an investigation.

The commission said its decision was based on that Mbenenge was already on special leave pending the outcome of the tribunal.

Judges Matter’s Mbekezeli Benjamin said that the commission continues to fail to deal with serious matters decisively. 

"Judges Matter believes this decision is inconsistent with the JSC’s own past practices and is unfair. It risks undermining the judiciary and victims of sexual and gender-based violence."