Zondo Weighs in on Mpofu's "Shut up" Incident: "Unacceptable"
- DCJ Raymond Zondo says Advocate Dali Mpofu's conduct at the State Capture Commission was "unacceptable"
- A series of tweets shared by the State Capture Commission revealed Zondo's stance on Tuesday's heated conclusion
- South Africans have taken to the replies section under the tweets to either commend or speak against Zondo's statement
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Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has spoken out about the heated end to the State Capture Commission's session involving Pravin Gordhan's legal team and Dali Mpofu. Mpofu told Michelle le Roux to "shut up" during the session.
Zondo has condemned the conduct on Mpofu's side saying that it is "unacceptable". Zondo reiterated that it was his right to allow a person to speak and to tell those who are speaking, that they've said enough.
Zondo said he also has the right to tell those at the Commission to sit down if necessary. Once more, Zondo stated that Tuesday's conduct at the Commission was not acceptable.
Source: Getty Images
The State Capture Commission shared a series of tweets about Zondo's response to the incident:
"DCJ says that conduct is not acceptable in this commission. #StateCaptureInquiry.
"He says he needs to focus on the main issues however, he says he may also have to consider in due future if the witness or a lawyer is not prepared to conduct themselves before the commission."
Below are just a few of the responses to Zondo's statement:
@neate001 said:
"Thank you DCJ Zondo for addressing this outrageous and disrespectful behaviour, a lack of integrity seems to be the order of the day amongst high profile people, absolutely disappointing to say the least. The setting of unacceptable examples to our youth."
@AlutaCo55952960 wrote:
"A brilliant principled approach taken by DCJ Zondo."
@Bhambu03 shared:
"Just because "shut up" is perceived as impolite and commanding doesn't mean it is."
@Mshazi_Mahlobo tweeted:
"Even Zondo's Conduct of him being biased is not acceptable history will judge him."
On Wednesday, Briefly.co.za reported on the sour end to Minister Gordhan's cross-examination. The session was chaired by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo and Advocate Dali Mpofu represented former SARS' Commissioner Tom Moyane.
The session concluded on a heated note as Mpofu was heard yelling "Shut up" at Michelle le Roux, who represented Gordhan. Gordhan had answered a question about allegations of racism earlier and Le Roux brought it up again.
Zondo stated that he did not need to hear Gordhan's explanation once more but the minister asked if he could comment on the matter. Mpofu objected and Le Roux began to explain why she wanted Gordhan to respond again. This caused frustration on Mpofu's side.
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Source: Briefly News
