An advocate representing one of the three Radzuma brothers received a severe tongue-lashing from a judge for delaying court proceedings. He was warned in no uncertain terms to ensure his presence at the next hearing or face serious consequences.
The three Radzuma brothers are facing 34 charges, including murder, attempted murder, and car hijacking. They are also accused of killing two South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) members in separate incidents in 2019. Ronald Mani (50) and SAMWU's former acting national president, Timpson Musetsho (50), were shot dead that year. Both were outspoken critics of the Vhembe District Municipality's decision to invest R300 million in the now-defunct VBS Mutual Bank.
"You [Advocate Ntsako Hlongwane] will kiss the law profession goodbye if you don't respect your professional obligations and the rules of court proceedings," said Judge Thogomelani Tshidada during a High Court hearing on 20 January, held in Waterval.
The judge's frustration stemmed from Advocate Hlongwane's late arrival that morning. He represents Percy Radzuma. Hlongwane explained that he had to appear in court for another case earlier that day, where he is also representing a client.
Judge Tshidada, however, showed little sympathy, stating that Hlongwane should have excused himself from the other matter since the Radzuma case is a high-profile one that has already been postponed too many times. When Hlongwane mentioned that the new hearing date of 17 February might not be convenient for him, the judge told him to choose between his career and his social commitments.
The hearing proceeded with testimony from Dr Thato Mogashoa, a medical doctor at Tshilidzini Hospital. Dr Mogashoa testified that he had examined Mr Tshimangadzo Timson Musetsho on 24 January. He told the court that Musetsho had sustained a gunshot wound, with a deep wound to his arm. Musetsho was later transferred to a hospital in Polokwane for further medical treatment.