In South Africa, defense lawyer Charles Mnisi has become the subject of widespread amusement and criticism following a sharp rebuke from Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng during the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial. Mnisi, who represents two defendants in the high-profile case, requested to be excused from court proceedings on Monday, June 9, 2025, to participate in the Comrades Marathon, a renowned ultramarathon in KwaZulu-Natal. The request, communicated via a note to the court’s registrar, drew a scathing response from Mokgoatlheng, who criticized Mnisi for addressing him as “dear colleague” in the correspondence. The judge firmly stated that Mnisi was not his colleague, emphasizing the lack of decorum and professionalism in the request.
The exchange, which took place at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, has sparked a mix of hilarity and mockery online, with many commenting on the judge’s blunt dismissal of Mnisi’s priorities. Mokgoatlheng further expressed frustration over the potential delay to the already protracted trial, which centers on the 2014 murder of Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa. The incident has fueled discussions about courtroom etiquette and the balance between personal pursuits and professional responsibilities, with Mnisi’s marathon request becoming a focal point of public and social media attention
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