Judge Belinda Hartle Racism Tribunal: Denies 'K-Word' Allegations

• Judge Belinda Hartle is facing a Judicial Conduct Tribunal over allegations of racist remarks made to Eastern Cape High Court registrar Thozamile Semekazi.
• Semekazi claims Judge Hartle used the "k-word" and other insults on May 15, 2025, causing him severe emotional distress and leading to a depression diagnosis.
• Judge Hartle denies using the "k-word" but admits to one expletive, with her advocate suggesting the charges are "trumped-up" and an act of "revenge or reprisal."
• The Judicial Service Commission recommended Judge Hartle's suspension, and she has since been suspended.
• A finding of gross misconduct by the tribunal could result in Judge Hartle's impeachment.

The outcome of this tribunal will establish a significant precedent for how allegations of racism and misconduct against judicial officers are investigated and adjudicated in South Africa, potentially influencing judicial ethics standards and the process for lodging complaints against judges.

A Judicial Conduct Tribunal is currently investigating serious allegations of racist remarks made by Judge Belinda Hartle to Eastern Cape High Court registrar Thozamile Semekazi. The registrar claims that on May 15, 2025, Judge Hartle subjected him to a verbal tirade, including the use of the deeply offensive "k-word" and other belittling comments, while in the presence of her secretary, Shakira Frost, who reportedly appeared amused by the outburst.

Semekazi's account details that he was delivering files for case flow management to Frost's office late in the afternoon when Judge Hartle arrived. He alleges she swore at him multiple times and used the derogatory term, even shouting insults such as "bleddy f*** k***." This incident, according to Semekazi, caused him significant emotional distress, leading him to cry when reporting it to his manager and later when collecting his children. The following day, he sought medical attention, was admitted to a mental health facility, and received a diagnosis of severe depression. Furthermore, Semekazi views Judge Hartle's subsequent offer of a gift, which she termed a "peace offering," as an attempt to bribe him.

Judge Belinda Hartle has vehemently denied using the "k-word" during the alleged incident. While she admits to employing a single expletive, she maintains it was not directed at Thozamile Semekazi personally but rather expressed her frustration with the general incompetence within the office. Her advocate, Jan Heunis, has characterized the charges against Judge Hartle as "trumped-up" during the tribunal proceedings.

Heunis presented a defense suggesting that Semekazi is an emotionally unstable employee who frequently misses work and relies on colleagues to complete his tasks. He highlighted that the files in question were delivered a day late, and on the day of the incident, a Thursday, Judge Hartle had just concluded a demanding day in court during a particularly busy week. Heunis stated that Judge Hartle expressed her dismay at the registrar's office with one expletive, for which she immediately apologized. He also pointed out that while Semekazi reported the incident to his superiors and saw three doctors, the specific allegation of the "k-word" only surfaced in a police complaint filed on June 12, leading Heunis to suspect the charge is an act of "revenge or reprisal."

The Judicial Conduct Tribunal, presided over by retired Justice Boissie Mbha, commenced hearing evidence on the allegations against Judge Belinda Hartle on November 9, 2026, and is scheduled to continue until November 18, 2026. This tribunal was initiated following a recommendation from the Judicial Conduct Committee to the Chief Justice, which subsequently led to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) announcing in May its decision to recommend Judge Hartle's suspension.

It is important to note that the JSC clarified that only the President of South Africa possesses the authority to suspend a judge. Consequently, Judge Hartle has since been suspended from her judicial capacity. Should the tribunal find her guilty of gross misconduct based on the remarks, she could ultimately face impeachment, a severe consequence for a judicial officer.

The ongoing proceedings of the Judicial Conduct Tribunal against Judge Belinda Hartle carry significant weight for judicial ethics and accountability within South Africa. The outcome of this tribunal will establish a significant precedent for how allegations of racism and misconduct against judicial officers are investigated and adjudicated in South Africa, potentially influencing judicial ethics standards and the process for lodging complaints against judges.

This case underscores the gravity of accusations involving racist language, particularly the "k-word," within the South African context, and its potential to erode public trust in the judiciary. Lawyers and legal professionals should closely monitor the tribunal's findings, as they will offer crucial insights into the mechanisms for upholding judicial integrity and addressing serious complaints against members of the bench.

Lawyers should monitor the outcome of this Judicial Conduct Tribunal as it will set a precedent for how serious allegations of racism and misconduct against judicial officers are investigated and adjudicated in South Africa, potentially influencing judicial ethics standards and the process for lodging complaints against judges.

Source: Original reporting via news reports