Judge accused of racism by court registrar
A Judicial Conduct Tribunal is probing whether Belinda Hartle made racist remarks to Eastern Cape High Court registrar Thozamile Semekazi
Court registrar Thozamile Semekazi has accused Judge Belinda Hartle of using racial slurs and belittling him at work. Semekazi alleges that on 15 May 2025, Hartle called him the k-word and swore at him in front of her secretary. Semekazi, who has been assigned to manage case flow for the first time, claims the incident occurred after he dropped off files for management.
Hartle denies the allegations, stating she only used one expletive. The Judicial Conduct Tribunal, presided by Justice Boissie Mbha, is currently hearing evidence on Semekazi's claims. Hartle's lawyer, Jan Heunis, argues that Semekazi is an emotionally unstable employee who was absent often and was trying to cover up his own mistakes. If the tribunal finds Hartle guilty of gross misconduct, she could face impeachment.
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