Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng isn’t taking any nonsense! Never!
Senzo Meyiwa Judge Praised for Issuing Stern Warning About Delays After Zandi Khumalo Asks for Postponement
Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng isn’t taking any nonsense in the Senzo Meyiwa trial proceedings State witness Zandile Khumalo asked for a postponement claiming she was suffering from chest pains Mokgoatlheng issued a stern warning to Zandile, claiming he would not tolerate delays in his courtroom
The new presiding officer in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, retired judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng, has sounded a stern warning saying he would not tolerate any unnecessary delays after the trial was forced to take an early adjournment on Wednesday afternoon after the State’s first witness Zandile Khumalo complained of chest pains.
Zandile complained of chest pains after State advocate George Baloyi had concluded his examination of the witness. She was set to begin her cross-examination when she complained of chest pains and raised that there was an issue pertaining to her accommodation.
The matter, which had to be started afresh this week after Judge Tshifiwa Maumela fell ill, is being heard at the Gauteng North High Court in Pretoria.
“After consulting with the defence, we have agreed with the defence that the matter should be postponed, subject to the approval of the court,’’ said Baloyi addressing the judge.
Mokgoatlheng was not impressed with the early adjournment.
“Why do you want to adjourn?” he probed.
“Because of the problems we are having and the witness is also not feeling well,” said Baloyi.
“What’s wrong with her,” asked Mokgoatlheng.
“She told that because of these problems being encountered with accommodation, she’s not psychologically ready to proceed today,” replied Baloyi.
Looking visibly irritated, Mokgoatlheng told Baloyi that he wont tolerate unnecessary delays.
“See, I’m old school, I can’t tolerate this type of behaviour,” he said directing his fingers at Zandile.
“This person comes to court, gives evidence and when she must be cross-examined, a problem arises which has got nothing to do with the running of the court…. And then I’m told we must adjourn because the witness is not feeling well,” he said looking at Zandile.
“Is that the reason or there are problems with the accommodation not being paid,” he asked.
Mokgoatlheng then directed his attention to Zandile and asked her what was the problem. http://www.impactconnecr.co.za
