South Africans have grown increasingly frustrated with delays that have continued to affect the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial.
After a three-week break, the trial resumed in the Pretoria High Court on Monday, July 20, but minimal progress was made.
The entire court day was lost due to a complaint from two of the accused regarding the leg irons they were forced to wear. The men refused to proceed with the trial, citing pain from the unpadded leg irons rubbing against their ankles.
The Department of Correctional Services had recently removed cushioning from leg irons following an escape incident at Baviaanspoort facility. Advocate Charles Mnisi argued that his client, Mthobisi Mncube (accused number three), was experiencing pain affecting his ability to concentrate and that he couldn’t get instructions due to the “inhumanity” of wearing unpadded leg irons.
Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng initially considered escalating the matter but after a two-hour adjournment for the State to consult with prison officials, the Department agreed to allow cushioned leg irons. With only an hour left of the court day, the judge postponed proceedings until Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
Many South Africans expressed annoyance at the delay, criticising the judicial process:
One said: “Even when the truth is out, the circus continues.”
Another one added:”The South African judicial system is an absolute circus. Black leadership have truly ruined the country and its institutions. That courtroom has been a circus from the beginning.”
“How can solving this problem take an entire court day? Put some bandages around his ankles, carry on with proceedings. 30 minutes at most and it’s done,” said another internet user.
Also see: Inside the failed attempt to arrest Mchunu and Sibiya
