Mpofu’s ‘shut up’ unacceptable, says Zondo
Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has issued a stern warning to anyone who thinks they can use words such as “shut up” to any lawyer, a witness or himself at the commission.
This comes after Advocate Dali Mpofu, representing former SARS commissioner, Tom Moyane said Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan’s lawyer, Advocate Michelle Le Roux must must “shut up”.
Le Roux was re-examining Gordhan when Mpofu raised an objection to one of her questions.
Before Mpofu could actually raise his objection, Le Roux interrupted him and tried to explain her question which led to Mpofu telling the chairperson that Le Roux needed to shut up when he is standing and objecting.
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“He also told Mr. Gordhan to shut up, I have never heard any lawyer in any proceedings tell another lawyer or witness to shut up.
“Not only was disrespect shown to some of the people in the hearing but it was also shown to the commission and to me as the chairperson,” said Zondo.
He said cross-examination is granted to implicated persons on the basis that they will abide by his direction.
