Senzo Meyiwa Trial: Defence Lawyer Seeks Recusal Over Mental Health Issues After Murder Plot Claims
- Avocate Charles Mnisi asked to be excused from the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial over mental health struggles
- The advocate noted that there were serious criminal allegations made against the entire defence team
- Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng discussed claims that some individuals were plotting to assassinate some people
Source: Twitter
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 – The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial has faced another delay, this time over the mental health of one of the defence lawyers.
Advocate Charles Mnisi asked that he be excused from proceedings going forward as he would not be able to apply his mind to the case. Advocate Mnisi said that he was mentally affected by allegations that the defence lawyers were complicit in a plot to assassinate key figures in the trial.
Advocate Mnisi to consult a mental health professional
When proceedings got underway on 3 December 2025, Advocate Mnisi asked to address the court about how proceedings ended on 2 December. Proceedings were halted after police identified a group of men in court who they alleged were plotting to assassinate key figures in the trial.
Advocate Mnisi added that the men disappeared from the court premises after the defence lawyers went to inquire about the situation, leading to unfounded allegations that the defence team was complicit in the plot.
The defence advocate, who constantly referred to himself in the third person, said that ‘Mr Mnisi’ had consulted security experts who advised that he should request that the court excuse him, pending the finalisation of the investigation into the allegations.
He stated that Mr Mnisi would not be able to apply his mind to the case.
“As I told the court, I am mentally affected,” he said.”
Source: Getty Images
Judge adjourns the proceedings for one day
Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng then asked the advocate when he would be better, but he could not provide an answer. Judge Mokgoatlheng then adjourned proceedings to allow for Advocate Mnisi to consult a medical professional.
The judge then also addressed the allegations that there was a plot to kill some individuals, asking that no one shoot him in the face if he was one of the targets. Judge Mokgoatlheng made a lighthearted comment about not wanting to be shot in the face if targeted.
“If there is anybody who wants to kill me, please don’t shoot me in the face. You can pump 11 bullets or 23 bullets in my body, so that my wife can have the pleasure of seeing me as I am,” he said.
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.
- Confusion reigned in court after defence lawyer Charles Mnisi asked for leave of absence as he was running the Comrades Marathon.
- Proceedings in the trial were delayed following a debate in the courtroom over gold teeth and selfies.
Judge Mokgoatlheng tells an advocate to shut up
Briefly News reported that Judge Mokgoatlheng grew frustrated with the lawyers during the ongoing Senzo Meyiwa murder trial.
Judge Mokgoatlheng snapped at Advocate Charles Mnisi during proceedings, telling him to shut up at one stage during proceedings.
South Africans weighed in on Judge Mokgoatlheng's comments, sharing mixed reactions to his outburst.
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Source: Briefly News
