Expert testifies about use of emojis

THE use of emojis in the messages that Judge President Selby Mbenenge sent to judge’s clerk Andiswa Mengo was the central focus in the Judicial Conduct Tribunal inquiry hearing into his conduct yesterday.

- CHEVON BOOYSEN

Forensic and legal linguist and researcher, Dr Zakeera Docrat, testified about the emojis which were sent to Mengo by Mbenenge and said she had concluded that they depicted sexual acts.

Docrat analysed context and conversations between Mengo and Mbenenge.

Mbenenge presides at the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court and was accused by Mengo of sexual harassment, in which she alleges several disturbing communications were sent by him.

Docrat testified about message exchanges between Mengo and Mbenenge in the emoji context and the interpretations thereof.