Justice for Meyiwa | Judge and lawyer clash in court

PRETORIA - Proceedings took a dramatic turn in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial Wednesday after a standoff between one of the lawyers and the judge.

Watch | Reflection on the Senzo Meyiwa murder case

The war of words erupted during the cross-examination of accused one, Muzi Sibiya, by the state during the trial within a trial. 

Accused one, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, is adamant he never made a confession to Senzo Meyiwa's murder.

Sibiya was arrested on 30 May 2020 and this is when he’s alleged to have confessed to police. But Sibiya insists he was only given a prepared statement to sign.

State prosecutor Ronnie Sibanda asked, "Who forced you to place your fingerprint and sign?"

Sibiya responded, "All the police that were there I was forced to do everything they wanted me to do as I wanted to save my life. And I have stated there was not even a police officer that was on my side. All of them were against me...."

The prosecutor said, “I put it to you you are fabricating evidence."

Sibiya said, “My Lord, I wouldn't lie I. I'm stating exactly what happened there. There is no reason why I would lie.”

But his multiple versions have come back to haunt him when he seemingly threw his lawyer under the bus.

Emotions ran high during a confrontation between the lawyer for accused five, Advocate Zandile Mshololo, and Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng.

This fray was over an arresting statement that Sibiya wanted to be shown to the court.

Mshololo said, "My Lord, I object. My Lord I object on the principle of fairness because he is being referred to the statement of the arresting officer.”

The judge responded, saying, "Ms Mshololo don't accuse me of being a crook. You must never. I have 50 years in the profession. Don't accuse me of being a crook.”

But the exchange didn't end there.

"Ms Mshololo, this is what I want to tell you.  I've been on the bench for 20 years. I practiced for 30 years. I have never been accused of being a crook and dishonest.”

With Sibiya's cross-examination over, a new witness will take the hot seat.