‘I’m not a crook’: Angry judge slams advocate in Meyiwa trial

Proceedings in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial took a dramatic turn on Wednesday after a war of words between one of the defense lawyers and the judge.

The dispute (between Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng and advocate Zandile Mshololo) ensued during the cross-examination of accused one, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, by State advocate Ronnie Sibanda.

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HEATED EXCHANGE BETWEEN THE JUDGE AND MSHOLOLO IN MEYIWA TRIAL

Sibiya, who was arrested in May 2020, insists that he never confessed to Meyiwa’s murder. He told the court that he was only given a prepared statement to sign.

He is accused alongside Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Ncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Ntuli.

Mshololo, who represents accused number five in the trial, told Mokgoatlheng that it was unfair for him to let Sibanda continue interrogating Sibiya about statement that he had no knowledge of.

“My Lord, I object. My Lord I object on the principle of fairness because he is being referred to the statement of the arresting officer,” she said.

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The judge responded, saying: “Miss Mshololo don’t accuse me of being a crook. You must never. I have 50 years in the profession. Don’t accuse me of being a crook.”

When Mshololo tried to explain, Mokgoatlheng added: “Miss Mshololo, this is what I’m going to say to you. I have been on the bench for 20 years, I have practised as an attorney for 30 years. I have never ever been accused of being a crook or being dishonest.”

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‘I HAVE A RIGHT TO RAISE AN OBJECTION’

The visibly upset judge told Mshololo that he was trained by the most respected legal professionals including the late human rights lawyer, George Bizos.

“They taught me to be honest in this profession … I’m just telling you who I am,” he said.

However, Mshololo replied: “My lord, I’m also an advocate.”

“Please, don’t answer me, please,” Mokgoatlheng retorted.

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However, Mshololo did not back down, saying: “I’m also defending the accused. I’m raising an objection on the basis of fairness, I have a right to stand up and raise that objection … We all have different experiences. “

Meyiwa, who was an Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, was murdered in October 2014 at his girlfriend Kelly Khumalo’s family home in Vosloorus, Gauteng.

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