4 days ago
Presiding judge at Senzo Meyiwa's murder trial causes uproar after racial remarks spark controversy
It's been years since Senzo Meyiwa's tragic death left South African soccer fans reeling with sadness.
His murder trial has been a complex and emotional journey for all involved, and the presiding judge's latest remarks have thrown a wrench into the works leaving many questions raised about his impartiality in the case.
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The trial of the five men accused of murdering Senzo Meyiwa, the former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper, has been marred by controversy.
During a court session, Judge Mokgoatlheng made comments suggesting black legal professionals behave unprofessionally compared to their white counterparts.
This comes after Judge Mokgoatlheng received a message sent to his registrar - notifying the court that the lawyer representing two of the accused, Adv. Charles Mnisi would not be present in court on Monday, June 9, 2025, because he would be participating in the Comrades Marathon on Sunday and would only be driving back to Gauteng the following day which will be the Monday, June 9, set for the court day.
Judge Mokgoatlheng didn't welcome the news positively as he said 'this is what happens in a South Africa run by blacks... I don't think a white advocate would have the gall to ask me that.'
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The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development has expressed grave concern over the judge's remarks. Chairperson Xola Nqola has in an issued statement demanded that Judge Mokgoatlheng withdraw his comments and apologise to the nation.
'Whilst we understand the frustration of the judge, the families and accused with the duration of the trial, it is totally unacceptable to imply black legal professionals act unprofessionally compared to their white counterparts. We urge him to refrain from such gross generalisations,' part of the statement reads. Chairperson Xola Nqola's statement
Social media users have weighed in on the issue with many saying they don't believe the judge intended to make a broader comment about race and professionalism but rather he meant to criticise the defense's strategy and it's unfortunate that his words have been widely interpreted as a racial slight, while others want him to recuse himself from the case as they don't trust his ability to remain partial.
