{
  "id": 19386381,
  "title": "RACISM CHARGE: Judge Hartle’s future hangs in balance over alleged k-word and insults to clerk",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/10/racism-charge-judge-hartles-future-hangs-in-balance-over-alleged-k",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-10T20:08:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Maverick",
    "slug": "daily-maverick",
    "url": "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-11-10-judges-future-hangs-in-balance-over-alleged-k-word-and-insults-to-clerk/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "Eastern Cape High Court Judge Belinda Hartle is facing allegations of racial insults and unprofessional conduct towards court clerk Thozamile Semekazi, which could result in her removal from the Bench. The incident occurred in May 2025 when Semekazi claims he was called the \"k-word\" and subjected to derogatory language by Hartle after delays in court file delivery. Hartle allegedly became frustrated and swore at Semekazi, who is a 20-year veteran of the court system. Despite Hartle's subsequent apology in a WhatsApp message and a \"peace offering\" left on Semekazi's desk, Semekazi maintains that his conduct was unprofessional and that Hartle's apology was a form of bribery. The Judicial Conduct Tribunal, chaired by retired Supreme Court of Appeal Justice Boissie Mbha, is now investigating the allegations to determine if Hartle's behavior constitutes gross misconduct.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "SABC News",
        "title": "Judge Hartle’s exchange with court employee detailed at tribunal",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/10/judge-hartles-exchange-with-court-employee-detailed-at-tribunal",
        "published": "2026-11-10T16:27:27.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}