THE No-nonsense Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng is directing how his court should proceed- a conductor, if you may.
Mokgoatlheng was appointed to preside of the controversial case of the late Senzo Meyiwa, taking over from the suspended Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela.
In taking over, he has shown resilience and tenacity this case desires and its outlook.
The Alexandra born, who was recalled from retirement, has grown impatient with counsels, interjecting were possible and admonishing State witness Zandile Khumalo not to ‘waste my time’.
The former Kaizer Chiefs player-cum co-founder is famous for having a go at some of the defense councils:
“What is this case about actually?” enquired Mokgoatlheng.
Advocate Charles Mnisi got up and explained to Mokgoatlheng that they are trying to demonstrate to the court that the men they are representing, were not involved in the murder of the soccer star.
“Right, but here is this witness describing that people came in and did x, y, z. So, what I’m saying is, I haven’t heard anyone saying, there were no intruders in the house.
‘’…If you are a defence counsel, I expect you to say, I put it to you that there were no intruders who went into the house and there were no shots fired in the house. I haven’t heard that,’’ Mokgoatlheng retorted.
Mokgoatlheng told the defence that if they don’t ask the witness relevant questions, the trial was going to drag.
“We’ll be here for the whole year… whether there were two or three shots, one was louder than the next one, how does it assist this court in solving this conundrum,” he asked.
Known for playing with spectacles during his hey-days due to eye problem, Mokgoatlheng ‘an old school’ as he addressed the court, is determined to complete this much publicised and controversial trial.
Khumalo was today cross examined by Advocate Zandile Mshololo.
Zandile’s sister Kelly Khumalo has been summoned to appear.
The trial continues.
Image (No nonsense Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng is determined this case should be done and dusted).
