Overview
- Closing arguments concluded in Johannesburg with the Judicial Conduct Tribunal reserving its findings and no verdict announced.
- Evidence leader Salome Scheepers argued the case reflects abuse of power that undermined dignity and working conditions, urging a finding of gross sexual misconduct.
- Counsel for complainant Andiswa Mengo, Advocate Nasreen Rajab-Budlender, said Mengo rejected advances repeatedly and counted roughly 13 instances of saying no.
- Defence counsel Muzi Sikhakhane maintained the exchanges were mutual flirting that do not meet the legal threshold for harassment and denied any nude image was sent or requested.
- Tribunal chair Retired Judge Bernard Ngoepe queried discrepancies affecting credibility, while Scheepers challenged defence expert Dr Vincent Mello’s ability to analyse emojis or trace the messages’ origin.