Racism-accused judge’s lawyers say recordings will show her accuser lied

According to the judicial misconduct tribunal in Sandton, lawyers for Eastern Cape Judge Belinda Hartle, who is accused of racism, are seeking permission to present audio recordings to the tribunal. The recordings purportedly capture conversations between Semekazi, the accuser, and Hartle's husband, journalist Ray Hartle. Hartle allegedly used racially charged language towards Semekazi, as well as swearing at her registry clerk Thozamile Semekazi.

Ray Hartle claims to have recorded these conversations, and he asserts that Semekazi's allegations are a form of retaliation against him for an article he wrote exposing corruption at Mthatha High Court. Semekazi, however, denies ever having spoken to Ray Hartle before the article's publication. He maintains that the calls were made from a "private number" and that he never saw the "peace offering" Hartle allegedly left on his desk.

The tribunal president, Justice Boissie Mbha, has instructed the defense attorney to consult with Semekazi and further argue the admissibility of the recordings.