JOHANNESBURG - The ongoing sexual harassment matter involving Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge is said to be placing reputational strain on the judiciary.
A legal analyst pointed to the disagreement between the Judicial Conduct Tribunal and the Judicial Service Commission over the seriousness of Mbenenge’s conduct.
This week, the JSC found Mbenenge guilty of gross misconduct, overturning the tribunal’s earlier, lesser finding of misconduct.
Civil society organisation, Judges Matter, said the impact of misconduct in the judiciary depends on the severity of the matter.
READ: JSC's decision in Mbenenge's case shows intent on harassment- Expert
While legal analyst Leo Maphosa stressed that the judiciary’s authority rests heavily on public trust.
With the JSC’s recommendations now set to go to parliament for possible impeachment, questions remain about Mbenenge's legal recourse.
If parliament impeaches Mbenenge, he will become the first judge to be removed from office over a sexual harassment matter.
- eNCA's Moloko Moloto has the story in the video above.