The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial took a fiery turn in the Pretoria High Court this week, as a war of words erupted between the defence and the lead investigator—forcing the judge to step in and restore calm.
Advocate Charles Mnisi, representing one of the accused, lashed out at Brigadier Bongani Gininda, the lead investigator in the high-profile case, calling him “unethical” and accusing him of lacking self-respect after allegedly interrupting court deliberations.
🗣️ “Unethical and Out of Line”: Accusations Fly in Open Court
The tense moment unfolded as Mnisi accused Gininda of undermining courtroom protocol by interjecting while legal arguments were underway. His comments were blunt and cutting—an unusual level of personal attack in a trial already charged with emotion and public scrutiny.
Gininda did not take the insult lightly, immediately objecting and demanding that Mnisi “refrain from using such disrespectful language”. The exchange halted proceedings and drew gasps from those present in court.
⚖️ Judge Mokgoatlheng: “This Court Will Not Be a Battleground”
Presiding Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng stepped in swiftly, issuing a stern rebuke to both men.
“This court will not be turned into a battleground of egos,” the judge said firmly.
“Let us remember that we are here for justice—for Senzo Meyiwa.”
His intervention redirected the focus back to the central issue: the long-delayed pursuit of justice in the 2014 murder of Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa, a case that has gripped the nation for years.
🎯 A Trial Under Intense Scrutiny
This dramatic courtroom moment is just the latest in a trial marked by allegations of botched investigations, political interference, and shifting narratives. The five men accused of Meyiwa’s murder have pleaded not guilty, and the testimony of Brigadier Gininda has been central to the state’s case.
👀 What Happens Next?
As the trial resumes, legal experts say the court will be watching both the tone and conduct of all parties closely. With public confidence in the criminal justice system hanging in the balance, moments like this are more than just theatrics—they speak to the integrity of the entire process.
Senzo Meyiwa’s family—and the country—are still waiting for answers. But as courtroom tempers flare, the question remains: Can justice still rise above the drama?
