Senzo Meyiwa Case: Uncertainty Over Resumption of Trial As Charles Mnisi Completes Comrades Marathon

• Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng didn't confirm whether Advocate Charles Mnisi was granted a leave of absence
• Mnisi said he would be running the Comrades Marathon on 8 June and would be unable to be at court the following day
• Mokgoatlheng ended proceedings on 6 June by saying the matter was adjourned until Monday, 9 June

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

GAUTENG – Will the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial resume on Monday, 09 June 2025, or won’t it?

That’s a question no one seems to know following Advocate Charles Mnisi’s participation in the Comrades Marathon. The lawyer, who represents two of the accused in the matter, participated in the 98th edition of the marathon, which took place on June 8, 2025.

Mnisi previously indicated that he would not be able to be present in court on 9 June, as he would be returning from the marathon on Monday, which did not please Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng.

Judge confirms he will be present at court

Questions were raised on Friday, 7 June, when court proceedings came to an end. Before the day ended, Judge Mokgoatlheng asked what would happen on Monday. The Prosecutor, Advocate George Baloyi, then noted Mnisi’s request for leave of absence, saying that if it was granted, the matter could resume on Tuesday, 10 June. Surprisingly, the judge didn’t note whether he granted Mnisi’s request or not.

“Okay, see you Monday then,” he said, before adding that the matter was adjourned until Monday.

Mnisi could be seen fighting back laughter as he was still unaware whether his leave of absence was approved or not.

Mnisi completes marathon in under 11 hours

Despite the uncertainty surrounding proceedings, Mnisi did proceed with his plans to run the marathon.

The defence advocate completed the run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban in a time of 10:42:04. He finished one hour and 20 minutes before the official cutoff and five hours after the winner, Tete Dijana, won the men's race.

What you need to know about the Senzo Meyiwa trial

• One of the men accused of killing former Orlando Pirates star Meyiwa admitted that he was in contact with Kelly Khumalo.
• A defence lawyer said that two of the accused's confessions of murder were made under duress.
• Kelly Khumalo was linked with the murder of Meyiwa once more, leaving many to ask why she wasn't arrested.
• Tensions were rising between Judge Mokgoatlheng and Advocate Mnisi during proceedings in the murder trial.
• The matter was hit by a further postponement as a defence lawyer wasn't ready to proceed after a two-month delay.
• Defence lawyer Thulani Mngomezulu passed away after a short illness, throwing the trial into disarray.

Judge mentions Nelson Mandela’s name in court

Judge Mokgoatlheng is no stranger to making strange and sometimes controversial comments in court.

Briefly News reported that the judge confused many with his mention of Nelson Mandela’s name during proceedings.

The judge stated that the defence lawyer would still be preparing his argument by the time Madiba resurrected.

Source: Briefly News