Mbenenge 'was at bank during alleged flashing incident'

Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge's former secretary, Zintle Nkqayi, this week corroborated his denial that he allegedly exposed himself to his sexual harassment accuser Andiswa Mengo.

- Nkateko Joseph Mabasa

Mengo, the former clerk of another judge in the division, brought the complaint against Mbenenge in December 2022, accusing him of sending her crude sexual images by phone, among other transgressions.

In one instance, Mengo said she was walking past Mbenenge's chambers when he called her in and exposed himself. She alleged that Mbenenge said: “Do you see the effect you have on me?” after which she abruptly left.

Mbenenge has denied the accusation, saying he could account for his movements on the day in question. On Wednesday, Nkqayi corroborated Mbenenge's version of events, saying she was at her desk for most of the day and did not witness the alleged incident.

Nkqayi worked as Mbenenge's secretary from 2020 until she resigned in April 2025, citing bad treatment by colleagues who supported Mengo.

Questioned by Mbenenge's counsel, Griffiths Madonsela, who focused on 14 November 2021, the day the alleged indecent exposure took place, Nkqayi testified that the judge president had gone to the bank at the time of the alleged incident and had lawyers waiting for him at his chambers for a consultation.