The long-running Senzo Meyiwa murder trial took an unexpected — and bizarre — twist this week when Advocate Charles Mnisi requested to be excused from court on Monday so he could participate in the Comrades Marathon.
The request landed like a thunderclap in the Pretoria High Court, drawing a furious response from Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng, who is presiding over one of South Africa’s most watched murder cases.
“This is not a comedy show,” the judge reportedly snapped, visibly irritated.
“You want to miss a murder trial for a marathon? Are we running a court or a club?”
🏛️ Justice vs. Jogging?
Advocate Mnisi, representing one of the five accused in the 2014 murder of Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa, informed the court that he had committed to the prestigious ultra-marathon and needed the day off to run.
The judge was having none of it.
“This is a serious matter involving the life and death of a human being,” Mokgoatlheng said.
“You cannot pick and choose which days to treat this trial with respect.”
⚖️ Courtroom or Cross-Training?
The moment ignited instant commentary across legal and public platforms, with many questioning Mnisi’s priorities and professionalism in the context of a case that has been dragging on for years.
Legal experts have noted that while advocates are entitled to personal time, requesting leave from a high-profile criminal trial for a recreational event is virtually unheard of — and bound to raise eyebrows.
👀 Public Reactions: “Senzo Deserves Better”
Online, South Africans voiced outrage at what many saw as a trivialization of justice.
“Senzo’s family has waited over a decade for answers. Skipping court for a marathon is tone-deaf at best,” one social media user posted.
🕊️ What’s at Stake
The murder trial — which has become a national obsession — involves allegations of a staged robbery, conflicting witness accounts, and suspected police mishandling. The accused all maintain their innocence.
With emotions already high, Mnisi’s marathon request added fuel to the fire, prompting renewed calls for the trial to be handled with utmost urgency and seriousness.
In a case where the pursuit of justice has been long and painful, even a single missed step — or a planned run — could leave lasting damage.
