Latest news with #JudgeMokgoatlheng
News24
a day ago
- Politics
- News24
Senzo Meyiwa trial judge apologises for racial remarks
On Monday, Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng apologised for making controversial racial remarks which sparked public and political criticism during the Senzo Meyiwa trial. He admitted his conduct was unbecoming of his stature and expressed regret, reflecting on his remarks and addressing accusations of racism. Mokgoatlheng offered to recuse himself if anyone doubted his fairness, honour, or integrity as a judge. Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng has publicly apologised for his controversial racial remarks he made during Thursday's session of the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial. His comments came on the back of defence advocate Charles Mnisi's request to be excused from court on Monday because he was participating in the Comrades Marathon on Sunday and sparked widespread criticism. The judge said at the time: 'When the JP [Judge President] asks why you were not sitting on Monday, [we'll have to say] 'no, we were waiting for advocate Mnisi to drive back to Joburg because he was running a marathon'. This is South Africa run by blacks; I can tell you now ... a white advocate would never have the gall to ask me that. Never.' The remarks drew sharp criticism from various quarters, including political parties and legal commentators. In his apology, Mokgoatlheng said: 'I have been on the bench for 26 years as an acting judge and a judge. I have never ever behaved the way I did on Friday. Before becoming a judge, I spent 30 years as an attorney. I spoke to the Judge President and he, together with the Deputy Judge President, rightfully excoriated me for my conduct, saying it was not befitting of a judge of my experience and stature. I agree wholeheartedly. My conduct was questionable and incorrect.' On Thursday the GOOD Party strongly condemned Mokgoatlheng's comments, saying: 'It undermines the integrity of the judiciary and risks inflaming already fragile race relations in South Africa. Decorum in court is not just about the behaviour of lawyers and attendees; it begins with the conduct of the bench. Judges must embody the fairness and dignity they expect from others. These comments fall far short of that standard.' Despite the backlash, Gauteng Judge President Dunstan Mlambo had offered a different perspective, telling News24: 'I can see no misconduct by the judge in the circumstances of the case, as viewed by many.' In his apology, however, Mokgoatlheng added a personal dimension, revealing the impact these events had on his family and shedding light on his own personal reflections. 'My wife, who I thought was afraid of me, told me that I should apologise to the whole of South Africa because I am worse than the attorneys who are currently stealing money from clients in the Road Accident Fund (RAF) matter ... I wish to tender my sincerest apologies. It's contra my nature to act like that. I recently lost my son, who was an advocate — he died due to lymphatic cancer. I believe he would have been disappointed in my behaviour. That's why I wholeheartedly and unreservedly apologise to my colleagues here and to the gentlemen in front of me.' Mokgoatlheng also sought to address suggestions of racism on his part, saying: 'I have also been accused of being a racist. I want to share one or two things about me as a person, beyond being a lawyer. I grew up in the house of Moses Skotane. Nelson Mandela used to visit our home, as did Walter Sisulu — even Robert Sobukwe before he broke away from the ANC. My father was an active member of the ANC and the Communist Party. He would be mortified to hear me being labelled a racist. My great-grandmother was German. I recall she used to cut her hair short so that people wouldn't realise she had white blood. So I know everything about racism.' He concluded by offering to step down if anyone questioned his integrity. 'The gentlemen in front of me - if you believe that I, as a judge, am so useless, dumb, and incapable of giving you a fair trial, please tell me. I will recuse myself. I do not want to impose myself on individuals who doubt my integrity, honour, or dignity. If you truly believe I am racist, unfit for this role, and dismissive of the Constitution, just say it, and I will step away.' The case continues.
News24
4 days ago
- Sport
- News24
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. Read more | 'Her presence touched the lives of so many' – Gogo Manzini passes away 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.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ngada Attorneys (@yourladyship01) 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.
