Despite several attempts to make his matter disappear, Advocate Thulani Mngomezulu who is representing two of the accused in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial is haunted by the demons of his past. Mngomezulu was caught on the opposite side of the law when his wife opened a case against him after he allegedly bought petrol in an attempt to burn his house with his wife and children inside in November 2022.

CHARGES 

Mngomezulu allegedly faces charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, contravention of a protection order,and resisting arrest.

The NPA's Phindi Mjonondwana confirmed that Mngomezulu's wife tried to withdraw the case, but the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) refused to withdraw the charges. " He was charged with several counts, including contravention of the court order, assault by way of threats, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, as well as resisting an arrest," she said.

HE TRIED TO GET CHARGES DROPPED

Mjonondwane explained that despite Mngomezulu's several attempts to have the charges laid off the NPA said it was important to continue with the prosecution in an effort to protect the wife and children. " Mngomezulu approached the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria to fight the prosecution and there's a judgment that was delivered in December 2023. In that order, the high court ordered the NPA to consult with Mngomezulu and then after, draft a memorandum indicating whether prosecution will continue or stop the proceedings." The consultation will take place at the end of February , meanwhile, the matter is before the Alexandra Magistrates Court. This is not the first defence lawyer in this matter who has been found on the opposite side of the law following disbarred Advocate Teffo Malesela's arrest in August 2023 on charges of fraud, assault, malicious damage to property and trespassing. Teffo has been in custody following his arrest on August 1 on charges of malicious damage to property and assault. Teffo is accused of gaining entry into a building without permission, breaking into his own office and assaulting a security officer. He was denied bail.