Mbenenge tribunal: Evidence leader cites credibility issues with complainant

The evidence leader in the inquiry into sexual harassment claims against Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge has conceded that there are credibility issues with the complainant, Andiswa Mengo.

On Tuesday, the Judicial Conduct Tribunal reconvened to hear arguments from each party.

While Mengo claims Mbenenge badgered her with unwanted sexual advances, the Judge President insists their relationship was consensual.

Evidence leader Advocate Salome Scheepers argued that in addition to Judge President Selby Mbenenge’s advances being unwanted and inappropriate, his conduct is not consistent with that of a judicial leader.

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She further argued that Mbenenge deleting Whatsapp messages and telling the complainant Mengo to do the same were not actions of an innocent man.

But the tribunal chair retired Judge President Bernard Ngoepe questioned Scheepers on Mengo’s credibility

“I think there is definitely aspects of credibility issues in the complainant’s testimony. she could not give answers especially when she was cross examined on the two different statement that were exactly the same. There are definitely some credibility issues.”

Scheepers has also conceded that certain aspect highlighted by Ngoepe are not good for Mengo’s case.