High Court Rejects Prosecution Lawyers’ Application for Withdrawal in Treason Case
The High Court, presided over by Justice Maliepollo Makhetha, has declined to entertain an application for withdrawal filed by prosecution lawyers Advocate Motene Rafoneke and Advocate Rethabile Setlojoane in an ongoing treason trial.
Justice Makhetha ruled that the application, which is scheduled to be heard on February 27, 2025, as per prior directives, would not be considered before the set date. This decision came after Advocate Setlojoane sought the court’s permission to expedite the matter and have it heard earlier.
Advocates Rafoneke and Setlojoane have expressed their unwillingness to proceed with the case, citing a lack of a brief as their primary reason. They asserted that they cannot represent a client with whom they have strained relations, insisting that professional discord has rendered them unfit to continue as prosecutors in the trial.
The treason case, already a matter of high public interest, now faces further complications as the prosecution team remains adamant about their withdrawal. The court’s refusal to expedite the hearing leaves the legal fraternity and the public awaiting February 27 for further developments.
