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‘Even My Wife Was Shocked’: Judge Mokgoatlheng Apologises After Heated Court Outburst

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3 months ago

June 9, 2025

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A moment of reflection in the Meyiwa trial as Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng publicly confronts his own courtroom misstep.

When Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng walked into the Pretoria courtroom on Monday, the tone was noticeably more solemn. Known for his sharp legal mind and commanding presence, the presiding judge in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial opened the session not with legal proceedings, but with a heartfelt and deeply personal apology.

The previous Thursday, Mokgoatlheng’s frustration had boiled over in a fiery outburst laced with racial overtones. He lashed out after defence advocate Charles Mnisi requested leave from court to run the Comrades Marathon—an excuse that the judge deemed utterly inappropriate given the gravity of the case. His comments ignited a storm of criticism, with some calling his words unbecoming of someone on the bench.

But what perhaps cut deepest for the judge wasn’t the public backlash—it was the disapproval at home.

“My wife told me I was worse than the lawyers who steal RAF money,” he admitted, standing in front of the accused and their legal teams. “She said I should apologise to the whole of South Africa.”

From the Bench to the Heart

This wasn’t just a PR damage-control moment. Mokgoatlheng peeled back layers of personal grief and legacy to explain what led to his uncharacteristic behaviour.

He spoke of his late son, an advocate who had died from lymphatic cancer, and how he imagined his disappointment. He recalled his upbringing in a home surrounded by the likes of Moses Kotane, Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu and Robert Sobukwe.

“My father would be mortified to hear I’ve been called a racist,” he said quietly.

It’s not often that a judge pulls back the curtain so candidly. Mokgoatlheng has spent over two decades on the bench, preceded by a 30-year career as an attorney. This was the first time, he said, that he felt compelled to offer such a public reckoning.

Outburst That Sparked the Storm

Last week’s rant, which included the line “This is what happens in a South Africa run by blacks,” shocked many watching the live broadcast of the Meyiwa trial. The judge’s anger stemmed from what he saw as a disregard for the seriousness of the case—a high-profile murder trial that has gripped the nation since the 2014 killing of footballer Senzo Meyiwa.

He criticised what he perceived as unprofessional conduct among some of the defence advocates, expressing disbelief that any white attorney would “have the gall” to skip court for a marathon.

“Can’t tell the JP somebody’s going to run the marathon,” he scoffed. “So, the case should stop. Everybody should watch the marathon, I suppose.”

Legal Circles and Public Reaction

The backlash was swift. Legal bodies like the Law Society of South Africa expressed concern over Mokgoatlheng’s remarks, warning that judicial decorum must be maintained, even in moments of frustration. On social media, South Africans were divided—some empathised with his human reaction, while others called for stronger disciplinary measures.

“The judge is human, yes, but that language was out of order,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter). Another added: “At least he owned up. Many wouldn’t.”

What Comes Next?

The judge’s apology may help reset the tone in a trial that has been marred by delays, drama, and public distrust. With five men standing trial for the murder of a national sports hero, the country is watching closely.

Whether the apology will be enough to repair his reputation remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Mokgoatlheng’s moment of reflection struck a chord in a country often weary of authority figures who refuse accountability.