Mbenenge's legal team argues it would be prejudicial to deny witness to testify in his defence

JOHANNESBURG - Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge’s legal team has argued that it would be prejudicial for a witness called to testify in his defence to be denied giving testimony before the Judicial Conduct Tribunal probing allegations of sexual harassment against him.

Makhanda High Court stenographer, Unathi Sogoni, is the third witness to be called by Mbenenge’s legal team. 

However, the panel has taken issue with Sogoni’s testimony, saying it was hearsay evidence that delved into the character of high court secretary, Andiswa Mengo.

But Mbenenge’s legal counsel argued that Sogoni’s testimony became relevant to counter the evidence given by a research associate at Wits University and gender expert, Lisa Vetten.

Advocate Griffiths Madonsela said the position of the panel was unfair.

"Chair, it is unfair to us to be saddled with a situation where you allowed, despite our objections, Lisa Vetten to come later in the day with a late summary in such circumstances where we cannot deal with her evidence. It’s unfair to us. It is, in fact, prejudicial to us."

ALSO READ: Mbenenge tribunal: Use of emojis and their meaning takes centre stage