Traditional healer and reality TV star Gogo Maweni, whose real name is Makgotso Mofokeng, appeared at the Protea Magistrates Court in Soweto on Thursday, 12 June. She is currently facing an assault charge related to an incident that happened back in 2019.
According to Daily Sun, Maweni is accused of assaulting a woman who is reportedly related to her ex-boyfriend. When she arrived at court, she was visibly pregnant. Dressed in a black dress, a black puffer gilet, a brown scarf, and black boots, Maweni sat with a pillow on her chair for extra comfort. Her husband and supporters came along to show their support.
The court was told that Maweni is 29 weeks pregnant with twins and had recently been in hospital. Her lawyer, Advocate Riaan Gissing, asked the court to postpone the matter due to medical reasons.
“The application on behalf of the accused is for a postponement. The accused is 29 weeks pregnant, going on 30. We have provided the State with medical proof that the accused was in hospital from 1 June until the 4th. She was discharged,” he explained.
He also said that during a recent consultation on 10 June, Maweni had serious cramps and had to see her doctor urgently. The doctor then ordered her to rest completely and avoid any travel because of the risks involved with her pregnancy.
“The unborn children are innocent in this. Let’s grant them the opportunity to go through this pregnancy safely, and until then, the matter proceeds,” Gissing told the court, adding that his client is often in and out of hospital.
The State did not object to the request, and Magistrate Genevieve Tyrrell accepted the medical documents presented. She said, “The court is satisfied with the medical documentation. The accused is experiencing a problematic pregnancy.”
The magistrate ruled that the case would be postponed until Maweni has given birth and recovered enough to continue.
“To avoid unnecessary delays, we will resume after the birth and recovery of the accused when she is ready to proceed,” she said.
Four witnesses were present and were told to return when the case continues. The court set a new date of 15 October for the next hearing.
Maweni remains out on bail, but Magistrate Tyrrell gave a strong warning: “Failure to appear will result in a warrant of arrest and bail conditions will be affected. Witnesses are also warned to appear on 15 October. Failure to do so will lead to arrest warrants.”
