Judicial Conduct Tribunal blocks secret recordings in Hartle racism probe - EWN

The chairperson of the Judicial Conduct Tribunal investigating racism allegations against Eastern Cape High Court Judge Belinda Hartle has rejected an application to have three telephone recordings played before the tribunal.

The recordings allegedly capture conversations between the complainant, court clerk Thozamile Semekazi, and Hartle’s husband.

Semekazi initially denied making the phone calls, prompting the defence to seek to have the recordings played.

He has since admitted to initiating the first call, explaining that his initial denial stemmed from safety concerns.