The impeachment process against Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge has been placed on hold after the Pretoria High Court granted an interim interdict in his favour.
The ruling prevents Parliament from taking any further steps based on the Judicial Service Commission’s (JSC) findings while Mbenenge challenges the decision through a judicial review. His application will be heard by the Pretoria High Court on a date that is yet to be confirmed.
Judge Selby Mbenenge Impeachment Process Put On Hold
Judge Selby Mbenenge has secured temporary relief after the Pretoria High Court ordered that Parliament may not proceed with impeachment proceedings for now.
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The court’s order remains in force until the outcome of Mbenenge’s review application, which seeks to overturn the JSC’s finding against him. The hearing date for the review has not yet been determined.
Judicial Service Commission Found Judge Selby Mbenenge Guilty Of Gross Misconduct
In April, the Judicial Service Commission concluded that Judge Selby Mbenenge was guilty of gross misconduct following sexual harassment allegations brought by his secretary, Andiswa Mengo.
The JSC reversed an earlier decision by the Judicial Conduct Tribunal, which had cleared Mbenenge of gross misconduct while finding that his conduct amounted to a lesser degree of misconduct. The commission’s decision paved the way for Parliament to begin the impeachment process.
The Pretoria High Court ruling means Parliament must wait before taking any action linked to the JSC’s decision.
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The interim order will remain in place until the court hears and decides Mbenenge’s review application. A date for those proceedings is still to be allocated.
