A Judicial Conduct Tribunal begins hearing evidence on Monday into a complaint against Eastern Cape High Court judge Belinda Hartle, who is accused of using a racial slur and swearing at a court official.
The allegations have not been tested or proven, and Judge Hartle is presumed to have acted properly unless the tribunal finds otherwise.
The complaint
The complaint was lodged by court official Thozamile Semekazi. He alleges the incident happened in the judge's chambers at the East London High Court in May 2025. He also alleges the judge later apologised.
The judge's response
Judge Hartle denies using the slur. She accepts that she used an expletive, but says it was not directed at Mr Semekazi. In her account, as set out in the Judicial Conduct Committee's report, she said: "I used a single expletive." She also said: "It is my sharp rebuke that must have upset him."
Who is hearing the matter
The tribunal comprises retired Supreme Court of Appeal justices Boissie Mbha and Sharise Weiner and Legal Practice Council chairperson advocate Pule Seleka. The hearing is scheduled to run until 18 November in Sandton, Johannesburg.
What could follow
If the tribunal makes a finding of gross misconduct and the Judicial Service Commission endorses it, the commission could recommend impeachment to Parliament. Any such recommendation would require a further process.
What we do not yet know
The tribunal's findings, timeline for a report and any evidence to be led have not been made public. The accounts of what was said in chambers are in dispute.
