The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has found Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge guilty of gross misconduct and sexual harassment, overturning an earlier ruling by a Judicial Conduct Tribunal.
In its decision announced on Thursday, the JSC said the findings raise serious concerns about judicial conduct and accountability within South Africa’s judiciary.
The commission confirmed it will submit its findings to the Speaker of the National Assembly, a move that could pave the way for impeachment proceedings against the 64-year-old judge, just ahead of his retirement.
The JSC also indicated that it may recommend that Cyril Ramaphosa suspend Mbenenge while Parliament considers whether to proceed with impeachment.
“The conduct concerned is serious and constitutes an affront to the propriety of judicial office and the values underpinning the Constitution,” the commission said.
“It undermines core values of the judiciary, including integrity, accountability, equality, respect and dignity.”
The development marks a significant escalation in the matter, placing the spotlight on judicial ethics and reinforcing calls for accountability at the highest levels of the legal system.
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