Ngoepe: Mbenenge case will be decided according to the law, not court of public opinion

The presiding judge in the sexual harassment tribunal against Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge says the case will be decided according to the law and not the court of public opinion.

Arguments in the case wrapped up on Tuesday and the Judicial Conduct Tribunal must now consider the evidence.

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Mbenenge is accused of making unwanted sexual advances to high court secretary, Andiswa Mengo, but he contends the relationship was consensual.

One of the arguments made by Mengo’s lawyers was that how the tribunal deals with her complaint against Mbenenge will send a message to the public about what is considered appropriate behaviour from a judge.

But the chair of the tribunal, Retired Judge President Bernard Ngoepe, addressed the issue of the matter being adjudicated in the court of public opinion.

"We are going to decide this case in accordance with the law and the facts of this case and not in accordance with the court of public opinion, one way or the other. We are totally unmoved by the court of public opinion."

Ngoepe has pointed out that some people had already decided on Mbenenge’s culpability.

"We want to assure the parties that we are not going to consider this case according to slogans or not according to slogans. We are going to dedcide it according to the law and the facts and the evidence placed before us."

The tribunal has reserved its verdict.