Help Losta Moon reunite with her family
March 22, 2024
Malema urges the poor to have children, doubles grants
March 22, 2024
In a recent development at the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng
has apologized and withdrawn his controversial comments questioning the behaviour of
black lawyers. The incident arose when defence lawyer Thulani Mngomezulu failed to
appear in court without proper communication, leading the judge to remark, “Is this how
black lawyers behave, some of them?”
During the proceedings on Friday, Mokgoatlheng acknowledged that his comments
could be perceived as offensive and ill-advised. He expressed his unreserved
withdrawal of the statements, recognizing the potential for misinterpretation. While the
Black Lawyers Association sought a meeting with the judge, he clarified that judicial
protocol and the law preclude him from engaging with external parties during an
ongoing case to maintain impartiality and avoid potential grounds for recusal or
challenges to the proceedings.
Mngomezulu also submitted a letter of apology to the court for his absence without
proper notification. As the trial progressed, the state called their next witness, Chupye
Christopher Matlou, an investigator for the Road Traffic Management Corporation.