The family of Senzo Meyiwa is happy that judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng has been “appointed” to preside over the murder trial of late Orlando Pirates goalkeeper.
Reacting to media reports about the appointment of Mokgoatlheng, Meyiwa’s brother Sfiso said he has done some fact-finding about the new presiding judge.
“We as the family are not worried because we believe our prayers have been answered, the case is in the right hands now,” Sfiso said.
“I have done some research about this judge and discovered that he is someone who doesn’t take nonsense.
“He has prosecuted one of the corrupt cops [in the country], he is someone who doesn’t waste time. We believe he will avoid delays as much as he can. All we want is justice and he has been doing that in his previous cases.”
However, the office of the chief justice said on Wednesday that it has not been confirmed that a new judge has been appointed, adding that it is also speculation that the trial will start from scratch when it resumes at the Pretoria High Court on July 17.
“Deputy Judge President Aubrey Ledwaba confirmed that he is currently engaged in the judicial case management of the matter and how it will be dealt with going forward,” said the office of the chief justice.
“He is also in touch with the directorate of public prosecutions and legal representatives of the accused.
“Judge Maumela remains the trial judge but he is currently indisposed due to health reasons, hence the deputy judge president’s involvement in the further handling of the matter.
“The issue of who will preside in the trial will be determined in due course, taking into account all relevant factors.”
It was reported on Tuesday that Mokgoatlheng will replace judge Tshifhiwa Maumela who was suspended by President Cyril Ramaphosa over a week ago on the recommendation of the Judicial Services Commission (JSC).
Maumela, together with judge Nomonde Mngqibisa-Thusi, are being accused by the commission of failing to deliver numerous reserved judgments in a reasonable time.
In April, the JSC recommended that the two be suspended and that a Judicial Conduct Tribunal be established to consider the complaints against them.
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