In a recent development at the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng has apologized and withdrawn his controversial comments questioning the behaviour of black lawyers. The incident arose when defence lawyer Thulani Mngomezulu failed to appear in court without proper communication, leading the judge to remark, “Is this how black lawyers behave, some of them?”

During the proceedings on Friday, Mokgoatlheng acknowledged that his comments could be perceived as offensive and ill-advised. He expressed his unreserved withdrawal of the statements, recognizing the potential for misinterpretation. While the Black Lawyers Association sought a meeting with the judge, he clarified that judicial protocol and the law preclude him from engaging with external parties during an ongoing case to maintain impartiality and avoid potential grounds for recusal or challenges to the proceedings.

Mngomezulu also submitted a letter of apology to the court for his absence without proper notification. As the trial progressed, the state called their next witness, Chupye Christopher Matlou, an investigator for the Road Traffic Management Corporation.