By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng has been appointed to preside over the former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates captain Senzo Meyiwa murder trial.
The announcement is expected to be made Tuesday.
This follows the suspension of Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela.
President Cyril Ramaphosa issued suspension letter against Judge Maumela to allow an investigation into alleged misconduct by the Judicial Conduct Tribunal.
This follows the recommendation of the Juducial Service Commission (JSC) in April for him to be suspended, due to failure to deliver judgments timeously.
In terms of judicial norms and standards, which were gazetted in 2014, judgments in both civil and criminal matters should generally not be reserved without a fixed date for handown down. Saving for exceptional cases where it is not possible to do so, every effort must be made to hand down judgments no later than three months after the last hearing.
The trial hit a snag few weeks ago when Maumela could not preside over the matter due to ill health.
Gauteng Deputy Judge President Aubrey Ledwaba told the court at the time: “The reason why I am appearing is because my colleague Judge Maumela is not available due to ill health and may not be available for a long time, subject to what his doctors may say.”
Ledwaba did not rule out the possibility of another judge presiding over the trial.
The trial is scheduled to resume on 17 July 2023.
The trial is expected to continue with the cross-examination of Kelly Khumalo’s sister, Zandie. Khumalo was dating Meyiwa at the time of his death.
Both Khumalo and her sister were in the Vosloorus house, east of Johannesburg, when Meyiwa was shot, allegedly by two intruders.
The accused Bongani Ntanzi, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Mthobisi Ncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Ntuli are remanded in custody.