The only time that ANC Youth League President Julius Malema appears to open his mouth is to change feet. On Saturday, South Africa’s court jester was singing President Robert Mugabe’s praises and threatening to bring his economic policies — the ones that made Zimbabwe the worst economy in history — back home. Moreover, he showed […]
Michael Trapido
Mike Trapido is a criminal attorney and publicist having also worked as an editor and journalist.
He was born in Johannesburg and attended HA Jack and Highlands North High Schools.
He married Robyn in 1984 (Mrs Traps, aka "the government") and has three sons (who all look suspiciously like her ex-boss).
He was a counsellor on the JCCI for a year around 1992.
His passions include Derby County, Blue Bulls, Orlando Pirates, Proteas and Springboks.
He takes Valium in order to cope with Bafana Bafana's results.
Practice Michael Trapido Attorney (civil and criminal) 011 022 7332
Posted inGeneral
ANC reversing ‘shoot the boer’ will test the Constitution
The African National Congress has confirmed that it will be taking legal steps to reverse the decision of the South Gauteng High Court on Thursday which granted an interdict against ANCYL leader Julius Malema singing dubula ibhunu [shoot the boer]. ANC spokesperson Jackson Mthembu issued a statement on Friday in terms whereof the ruling party […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Mbeki vs Zuma in 2012?
According to informed sources former president Thabo Mbeki will be running for the post of African National Congress president at the ANC’s policy and elective conferences in 2012. Mbeki, who was replaced by current President Jacob Zuma as ANC president in December 2007 and national president in 2009, is of the view that at age […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Explaining Selebi
Jaap Cilliers SC, counsel for Jackie Selebi, confirmed at the conclusion of the evidence given by former intelligence coordinator Barry Gilder that the accused’s legal team intends bringing an application for his discharge at the close of the state’s case. The state thereafter closed their case after reading certain evidence, which has been agreed between […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Mthembu walks the talk
Having been among the first to slate African National Congress spokesperson Jackson Mthembu for his being arrested for drunk driving in the same week as four Soweto school kids lost their lives, I would like to be among the first to salute his willingness to accept responsibility for his actions. At a time in South […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Sisulu, the minister of offence
After the briefing given by Defence Minister Lindiwe Sisulu on Thursday March 18 relating to information provided by US authorities who allegedly claim that her special adviser Paul Ngobeni is a fugitive from justice, it is little wonder that tensions are developing between Parliament and her concerning her department’s financial woes. According to the minister: […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Opposition alliance much better fit than ANC’s tripartite one
When Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille confirmed to the special unity conference of the Independent Democrats that the difference between themselves — including Cope — related to style rather than substance, it was to all intents and purposes an accurate assessment of the leading opposition parties. Theirs is a natural fit where even differences over […]
Posted inGeneral
Simelane shows why arms deal inquiry is urgent
Constitutional law expert Pierre de Vos described the appointment of Menzi Simelane’s as national director of public prosecutions as the darkest and most scandalous day yet in the short life of President Jacob Zuma’s tenure and showed an “utter disregard for the Constitution and the law”. De Vos, who holds a chair in constitutional governance […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Would you grant Jub Jub bail?
Protea Court Soweto will once again be the focal point as the bail applications of hip-hop artist Molemo Maarohanye, known as Jub Jub, and co-accused Themba Tshabalala enter into their second day. They are currently being held on charges of murder and attempted murder. These arise out of a horrendous incident which took place in […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Aussie cops remind us of apartheid days
The massive community of about 150 000 former South Africans living in Australia must be somewhat bemused by the accusations of racism currently being levelled at certain members of the Australian Police. Many of them had after all left the land of their birth to start a new life down under where racism and crime were […]
Posted inGeneral
SA’s looking a lot like Zimbabwe
Though former president Thabo Mbeki was often guilty, to a fault, of defending his administration, nothing could have prepared South Africans for the inappropriate appointments and point-blank refusal to accept wrongdoing among those who occupy positions of power or who are allied to current President Jacob Zuma. It’s as if a totally different set of […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Malema and ANC playing with fire
When ANC Youth League President Julius Malema addressed the National Press Club in Pretoria recently — following his being heckled and booed by SACP delegates at Polokwane — he stated that this type of conduct was an invitation to war which the ANCYL was accepting. After all, how dare they, fellow members of the tripartite […]