Latest news with #Mokgoatlheng
The Citizen
18-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Senzo trial: How Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng founded Kaizer Chiefs before presiding over courtrooms
Before he wore the robe, the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial judge was a leader on the soccer pitch. Now presiding over the high-profile Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng might appear stern and unflinching, but behind that piercing gaze is the soul of a football genius once known simply as 'Ace'. The judge who once ruled the pitch From scoring goals for Orlando Pirates to co-founding Kaizer Chiefs, the man now delivering justice once delivered pinpoint passes. And in his case, the court and the soccer pitch are more alike than you'd think. Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng is no ordinary judge. While many in court see a seasoned jurist with decades of legal gravitas, football purists know him as 'Ace', the visionary midfielder whose name once echoed in packed stadiums across South Africa. Judge 'Ace' Mokgoatlheng. Picture: supplied In the swinging '70s, Mokgoatlheng was regarded as one of the brightest talents in South African football. Described by fellow players as a soft-spoken and shy figure off the field, he transformed into a maestro on it. A bone of contention He launched his career in 1969 with Orlando Pirates, but soon faced expulsion alongside Edward 'Msomi' Khoza and Thomas 'Zero My Hero' Johnson after choosing to disregard management's instructions not to compete in a match for a local club in Gaborone. This decision would prove momentous in defining their paths. Mokgoatlheng's style was defined by an almost supernatural sense of timing, vision and control. 'He could see plays two moves ahead,' said a former teammate. 'He was jazz in motion.' ALSO READ: 'Bucket list checked': Zakes Bantwini graduates from Harvard From Orlando Pirates to founding Kaizer Chiefs Kaizer Chiefs was officially established in January 1970. Ratha Mokgoatlheng is on the far right in the bottom row… with his trademark spectacles. Photo: Before the legal books, there was the beautiful game. Mokgoatlheng began his football journey at Orlando Pirates, one of the country's most storied teams. But it was his role in co-founding Kaizer Chiefs alongside Kaizer Motaung in January 1970 that etched his name into South African soccer history. While others chased goals, Mokgoatlheng juggled court dates and corner kicks. Remarkably, he played for Kaizer Chiefs while studying law at the University of Fort Hare. By the time he was admitted as an attorney in 1976, he'd already earned legendary status on the field. Brains, boots and the law Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng during the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial at Pretoria High Court on 17 July 2024. Picture: Gallo Images/Phill Magako Many of his contemporaries recall how he was never one to brag or seek the limelight. 'Ace was quiet, even introverted,' recalled one former coach. 'But once he had the ball, he spoke with his feet.' Even after hanging up his boots, his connection to the game endured. He's participated in historical panels and debates on South Africa's football greats and remains respected for his insights on the evolution of the sport. It's no surprise some football historians rate him in the same breath as Steve 'Kalamazoo' Mokone, the first South African to play professional football in Europe. ALSO READ: Homage to Queen Nandi: Nomzamo Mbatha reveals secrets behind her regal Shaka iLembe gown After practising law for over 30 years, Mokgoatlheng was appointed as an acting judge in 2002 and eventually rose to the full-time bench. Over the years, he's quietly built a reputation for fairness, sharp logic and courtroom control. He's presided over several notable cases, including the conviction of former spy boss Richard Mdluli and the recognition of Lerato Sengadi as the customary wife of late rapper HHP. But it's his current role presiding over the emotionally charged Senzo Meyiwa murder trial that has placed him under the national microscope. Watching him steer a courtroom filled with tension and drama, one could say: once a midfield general, always a general. Legacy on both fields Judge Ratha 'Ace' Mokgoatlheng's story is not just one of transformation; it's a tale of dual mastery. Few can say they've stood at the heart of South African football history and then gone on to shape its legal system. Whether it was threading the perfect pass or parsing a complex legal argument, Ace always had an eye for strategy. And now, with the nation watching, it's clear: he's still playing for high stakes, only this time, the pitch is the courtroom.
IOL News
11-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Meyiwa trial in turmoil again as judge sparks outrage — 'He must go'
Last week, after Judge Mokgoatlheng made a series of inappropriate remarks — first berating a defence lawyer for requesting time off to run the Comrades Marathon, then launching into a monologue about black lawyers, race relations, and his political history. The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial — already marred by controversy — has entered another crisis, with growing calls for presiding Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng to recuse himself following racially charged courtroom comments and political outbursts. Over the past decade, the case has come to symbolise dysfunction in South Africa's justice system. It has featured the arrest and public humiliation of Advocate Malesela Teffo, courtroom chaos, and persistent speculation around singer Kelly Khumalo's alleged involvement in Meyiwa's killing. Now, it faces what could be its most serious credibility blow yet: a presiding judge accused of losing impartiality. Last week, after Judge Mokgoatlheng made a series of inappropriate remarks — first berating a defence lawyer for requesting time off to run the Comrades Marathon, then launching into a monologue about black lawyers, race relations, and his political history. He also made unsolicited comments about President Cyril Ramaphosa, calling him his 'junior' and referencing shared links to the ANC and Azapo. The remarks triggered outrage both inside and outside the courtroom, with many calling them inappropriate, irrelevant, and undignified. In response, the judge issued a lengthy apology on Monday. 'If you believe that I, as a judge, am so useless, dumb, and you think you can't get a fair trial from me, please tell me, I will recuse myself,' he told lawyers in court. 'I don't want to impose myself on people who doubt my integrity, honour and dignity.' He went on to insist that he is not racist, citing his presence at the historic 1955 Congress of the People in Kliptown alongside his father. 'If I trampled on anybody's toes because of my racism... I wish to apologise for being a racist,' he said. 'But I can tell you, it's not a conscious thing about me to be a racist.' Despite his apology, public confidence is waning fast.'This judge has clearly lost the plot,' said criminal law expert Advocate Thembeka Radebe. 'It's no longer about Senzo Meyiwa. It's about Judge Mokgoatlheng, and that's a complete derailment of justice. He must go.' If Mokgoatlheng does recuse himself — or is removed — the trial would need to start from scratch for a third time. That means a new judge, re-hearing all witness testimonies, and likely several more years before a verdict is reached. For the Meyiwa family, already exhausted by nearly 10 years of legal delays, this would be yet another devastating blow. The murder of Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa in 2014 shook the nation. What was expected to be a clear-cut trial has instead turned into a saga of dysfunction, scandal, and spectacle. Many legal analysts now warn that unless urgent corrective steps are taken — starting with the judge stepping down — the public may permanently lose faith in the justice system.'The trial has become a circus,' said Radebe. 'And justice is nowhere in sight.'
IOL News
10-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Black Lawyers Association demands more than an apology from Judge Mokgoatlheng
Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng has apologised over racially charged comments he made when one of the advocates requested to miss court to run the Comrades marathon. Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers AN apology alone, is not good enough, the Black Lawyers Association (BLA) said in response to Presiding judge in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, Ratha Mokgoatlheng's apology on Monday following his court outburst where he made several remarks with racial undertones. Last week, Judge Mokgoatlheng expressed outrage in court after learning that defence advocate Charles Mnisi had written to his registrar, requesting to be excused from proceedings on Monday to participate in the Comrades Marathon. "This is what happens in a South Africa run by blacks. I can tell you now, even if you call Uncle Tom, I don't think a white advocate will ever have the gall to ask me that. Never," he said. The BLA did not take the comments lightly, calling out Judge Mokgoatlheng for launching 'an extremely unfortunate attack on black lawyers'. They gave him seven days to withdraw his comments, threatening further action if he failed to do so. 'What the Judge might not be aware of is that the attacks on black lawyers are not only distasteful but threaten our economic survival as law is our business. We strongly reject the assertion made by Judge Mokgoatlheng that seeks to compare black and white lawyers in the carrying out of their duties, especially in court. What is indisputable is that black lawyers are extremely capable, excellent and high level professionals. Our democratic set up has no place for the kind of Presiding Judge Mokgoatlheng represents,' the BLA said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ As the court session resumed on Monday, the judge made a public apology. "There is one thing I must attend to, all of us I am sure we read newspapers. It is proper that I should address this issue. Initially I want to say, I have been 26 years on the bench, as an acting judge, and as a judge. I have never ever behaved the way I did (on Thursday). I have been 30 years as an attorney before I became a judge," the judge addressed those in court. "I spoke to the JP (judge president) and the JP spoke to me together with the DJP. The JP rightfully excoriated me for my conduct, that it is not befitting of a judge of my experience and my stature that I should have behaved like I did. And I agree, my conduct was questionable and incorrect. My wife also, who I thought is afraid of me, told me that I should apologise to the whole of South Africa because I am worse than the attorneys who apparently steal the monies of clients in the RAF (Road Accident Fund) matter. She was reading the newspaper the other day about the fact that attorneys apparently (steal from clients) and they are colourless, they stole about R1.5 billion of RAF funds which belong to clients,' the judge said. Judge Mokgoatlheng said he wished to tender his "sincerest" apologies because the way he had behaved was contrary to his nature. In response to Judge Mokgoatlheng's apology, the BLA said while it was welcomed, it was not good enough given the severity of what was said. The BLA planned to reach out to call for further engagement on the issue. 'We welcome (the apology) but there must be a deeper conversation about what the judge has raised. Maybe we are not understanding the context. I personally want to understand how he thinks in terms of the issues of black lawyers. Once you start questioning the ability of practitioners on the basis of skin colour, you are raising a different topic altogether. I don't want to assume he is saying he does not trust in the abilities of black lawyers because there are exceptional legal minds out there, including him who is a judge today. He can't be casting aspersions on himself, that's why I'm saying a deeper conversation is needed,' BLA secretary general, Takalani Chris Mamathuntsha said.
Eyewitness News
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Presiding Judge in Meyiwa trial willing to recuse himself if lawyers believe he's biased
PRETORIA - The presiding judge in the Senzo Meyiwa trial has invited lawyers in the matter to apply for his recusal if they believe he is unfit to run the trial Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng made an extensive apology for the race-based comments he made in court last week. As he rebuked a lawyer for asking for time off to run the comrades marathon, Mokgotlheng made comments about black lawyers and South Africa being run by blacks. The judge has since apologised for the comments. ALSO READ: If Judge Mokgoatlheng recuses himself from the trial, the matter would have to start from scratch for a third time, and a third judge would be appointed to preside. On Monday, Judge Mokgoatlheng, who has come under fire for his race-based comments, apologised and also extended an invitation to the lawyers before him. 'If you believe that I, as a judge, am so useless, dumb, and you think you can't get a fair trial from me, please tell me, I will recuse myself. I don't want to impose myself on people who doubt my integrity, honour and dignity.' Judge Mokgoatlheng, who has been accused of being racist, gave a detailed apology for his comments and went to great lengths to give reasons why he is not. 'If I trampled on anybody's toes because of my racism, despite being in adherence to the Freedom Charter of 1955, I was there in Kliptown with my father, I wish to apologise for being a racist. I will try and mend my ways,but I can tell you, it's not a conscious thing about me to be a racist.' He extended his apology to all South Africans, all judges, and in particular, Chief Justice Mandisa Maya.
The Herald
09-06-2025
- Politics
- The Herald
Reprimanded Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng apologises for outburst
Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng has issued a public apology after a courtroom outburst at a lawyer which some deemed racist. Mokgoatlheng was furious last week when defence advocate Charles Mnisi asked to be excused from court on Monday to accommodate his travel plans for the Comrades Marathon. 'I don't think a white advocate can have the gall to ask me that,' the judge said. Mnisi, who ran and completed the ultra-marathon on Sunday, was absent from court on Monday. Attorney Sipho Ramosepele stood in for him. Addressing the court on Monday, the judge said he regretted his remarks. 'I have never behaved the way I did,' he said, referring to 26 years as a judge and 30 years as an attorney. He said the judge president and deputy judge president had spoken to him and the JP had rightfully reprimanded him. 'I agree, my conduct was questionable and incorrect.' Mokgoatlheng also shared that his wife urged him to apologise publicly, saying his actions were worse than those of lawyers accused of stealing money from Road Accident Fund clients. 'She told me I should apologise to the whole of South Africa,' he said. He mentioned his late son, an advocate who died of cancer, saying his son would have been disappointed in his conduct. 'I apologise to the accused, the lawyers, the public, the judges, magistrates, students, religious leaders — to everyone in South Africa who felt hurt or insulted by my actions,' he said. Responding to claims that he was a racist, Mokgoatlheng said he found this to be hurtful and untrue. He spoke about his upbringing in a politically active household, where leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu would often visit. He also listed several respected South Africans who know him personally. 'If people say I'm a racist, maybe I'm not aware of that, but I apologise.' The judge invited the accused in court who believed they could not get a fair trial from him to say so. 'If you think I am not fit to be your judge, please tell me and I'll recuse myself.' TimesLIVE
