In a tragic incident near Kimberley in the Northern Cape in April 2023, Yvonne Mokgoro, a former Constitutional Court Justice, suffered multiple injuries in a car crash.
Unfortunately, Mokgoro passed away last Thursday at the age of 73, after struggling to recover from the injuries sustained in the accident.
Following the crash, David Melesi, Mokgoro’s partner, has been criminally charged for his involvement.
Melesi is facing charges of reckless and negligent driving, according to Mojalefa Senokoatsane, the National Prosecuting Authority’s spokesperson in the Northern Cape. Melesi has already appeared in court and is currently facing one count of reckless and negligent driving.
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Senokoatsane also mentioned the possibility of amending the charges to culpable homicide, considering the tragic outcome of the crash and the subsequent death of the judge. Melesi is scheduled to appear in court again on the 30th of May.
Yvonne Mokgoro was a remarkable jurist and a trailblazer in South Africa’s legal system. She was a member of the first Constitutional Court bench and made history as the court’s first black female justice.
Mokgoro’s contributions to the judiciary and her dedication to upholding the principles of justice will always be remembered.
Her passing is a great loss to the legal community and the nation as a whole. The circumstances surrounding her death and the subsequent criminal charges against David Melesi serve as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible and safe driving on our roads.
As the legal proceedings continue, it is crucial that justice is served for Yvonne Mokgoro. The charges against David Melesi highlight the need for accountability and the consequences that can arise from reckless and negligent behaviour behind the wheel.
While we mourn the loss of a respected legal figure, we must also reflect on the importance of road safety and the impact our actions can have on others. May Yvonne Mokgoro’s legacy inspire us to strive for a society where everyone can travel safely and without fear of such tragic incidents.
