The high-stakes Senzo Meyiwa murder trial at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria ground to a halt on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, following a dramatic courtroom disruption and emotional plea from defense advocate Charles Mnisi. The adjournment—initially sparked by the removal of three men from the public gallery for suspected involvement in a murder conspiracy plot—escalated when Mnisi declared himself mentally unfit to proceed, citing the weight of allegations against the defense team. Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng, balancing fairness with the need for progress in this decade-long case, granted the break until Thursday, December 4, but firmly reiterated that the trial must continue without further undue delays.
This latest twist compounds the trial’s notorious history of interruptions, including the death of accused No. 4’s lawyer Thulani Mngomezulu in December 2024, multiple legal team changes, and prior postponements for preparation.
Courtroom Chaos: Conspiracy Plot Unfolds
Proceedings on December 3 resumed uneasily after Tuesday’s shock, when police—acting on “solid intelligence” from the Crime Intelligence Unit—stormed the gallery and escorted out three unidentified men accompanying defense witness Sifiso “Gwabini” Zungu. The men, described as fitting profiles of suspects in an ongoing probe into a conspiracy to assassinate key figures—judges, prosecutors, police investigators, and defense counsel—were taken for questioning and “profiling.” Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the arrests, stating: “We have received solid intelligence that a group of individuals attend court proceedings with the sole purpose of looking for an opportunity to assassinate or eliminate state officials that are involved in the Senzo Meyiwa trial.”
The incident triggered an immediate stand-down, with counsel huddling in chambers. Mnisi, representing accused Nos. 1 (Muzikayise “Muzi” Sibiya) and 3 (Mthobisi Prince Mncube), alluded to “developments surrounding the case which are not worth being mentioned in the record,” prompting an initial adjournment request. Judge Mokgoatlheng, visibly frustrated, pressed for details: “Have they arrested somebody? … Here is a judge, sitting, and then he is told that there are developments. When the judge asks which developments [then you say] ‘We’d rather not mention them’.” He assured the court that “all necessary steps to protect court officials are in place,” including enhanced security protocols, before reconvening.
Mnisi’s Breaking Point: “I’m Mentally Affected”
Upon resumption, Mnisi—visibly shaken—addressed the bench, linking his distress directly to the conspiracy allegations implicating the defense: “My Lord, I’m expected to proceed with this trial despite the allegations that have been raised against me… I am mentally affected.” He argued that continuing would compromise his client’s rights, invoking his discretion to pause.
Judge Mokgoatlheng, known for his no-nonsense approach amid the trial’s delays, responded empathetically yet decisively: “The case continues. If you want to exercise your discretion, your choice to do whatever you want, you are to do that. But the order of this court is that we must continue. If you want to go and consult a psychologist, a doctor, fine. But you can’t say open-handedly that you can’t continue the case.” Mnisi conceded: “I think I would have to go consult.” The judge adjourned until tomorrow, emphasizing: “Abandoning the matter is not an option.”
This marks yet another strain on Mnisi, who has navigated intense scrutiny, including prior adjournment requests for client fatigue and his own preparation needs. Legal experts note that while counsel’s mental health is paramount, courts prioritize expeditious justice in protracted cases like this, potentially opening doors for temporary co-counsel if Mnisi requires extended leave.
Timeline of Key Disruptions in the Trial
The Meyiwa trial, probing the 2014 fatal shooting of the Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper at Kelly Khumalo’s Vosloorus home, has been mired in controversy since its 2022 start. Here’s a snapshot of recent upheavals:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 26, 2014 | Senzo Meyiwa shot dead during a reported home robbery; Kelly Khumalo and others present. |
| December 2024 | Death of accused No. 4 (Longwe Twala)’s lawyer Thulani Mngomezulu; trial stalls for representation issues. |
| May 2025 | Mnisi warns of multiple adjournment requests during cross-examination of lead investigator Brig. Bongani Gininda. |
| October 2025 | Accused No. 1 (Sibiya) requests early break due to fatigue under Mnisi’s rigorous questioning. |
| December 2, 2025 | Three men removed from gallery amid conspiracy probe; initial adjournment. |
| December 3, 2025 | Mnisi cites mental strain from allegations; trial adjourns to December 4. |
The conspiracy probe intensifies fears of orchestrated intimidation, echoing earlier threats like the 2024 attempted kidnapping of a former investigator. All five accused—Muzi Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Mncube, Mthokozisi Maphisa, and Fisokuhle Ntuli—plead not guilty to murder, attempted murder, robbery, and firearms charges. Confessions from Sibiya and Ntanzi implicate singer Kelly Khumalo as the instigator, claims she denies.