Meyiwa trial: Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng apologises for race-based remarks
JOHANNESBURG - The presiding judge in the Senzo Meyiwa trial opened Monday's proceedings with an apology for race-based remarks he recently made.
Last week, Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng drew widespread outrage after he rebuked Advocate Charles Mnisi for asking for leave as he would be running the comrades marathon.
Mnisi had sent a message to the court's registrar that he would be returning from KwaZulu-Natal after running Sunday's Comrades Marathon.
"This is South Africa, run by blacks. I can tell you now, even if you call me an Uncle Tom, I don't think a white advocate would have the gall to ask me that. Never," said Mokgoatlheng.
Lawyers and Parliament's Justice Committee called for him to withdraw his comments and issue a public apology.
On Monday, Mokgoatlheng gave a detailed apology for his conduct.
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