President Jacob Zuma on Thursday confirmed that a judicial commission of inquiry into South Africa’s arms deal will be appointed. According to reports the president agreed to appoint a commission of inquiry into allegations of corruption in the 1999 contract for ships, aircraft and submarines with the Dispatch Online confirming that an affidavit was sent […]
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 inNews/Politics
Reaction to Lamont shows South Africans have lost the plot
The decision handed down by Judge Colin Lamont in the Equality Court in Johannesburg, regarding the matter of AfriForum versus Julius Sello Malema et al, should have been well received yet it is coming under fire from the African National Congress, the African National Congress Youth League and even Professor Pierre de Vos. Judge Lamont’s […]
Posted inNews/Politics
What the secrecy Bill should look like
The Protection of Information Bill is an aberration that threatens to eliminate government transparency, cut off the free flow of information and cripple the media’s effectiveness in exposing corruption at the highest levels. Accordingly we need to ask ourselves what can be done to achieve the goals that the legislators purportedly had in proposing the […]
Posted inNews/Politics
11th commandment: Thou shalt not prosecute a fatcat
If regard is had to the Protection of Information Bill it would seem that those who drafted it contemplated achieving a balance between the free flow of information and transparency on the one hand and ensuring that national security is protected on the other. My response has been that this is so much nonsense and […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Top secret: Arms deals to Tampax boxes
Cecil Burgess, chairperson of the parliamentary ad hoc committee on the Protection of Information Bill, was quoted in Business Day as saying that the committee had proceeded cautiously and carefully and obtained legal advice at every step of the way and amendments made where necessary. ANC MP Luwellyn Landers supported Mr Burgess, who said that […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Malema, Secrecy Bill a result of ANC’s broken moral compass
The African National Congress’s (ANC) decision to charge youth league president Julius Malema and the punting of the Protection of Information Bill, which is to be put before Parliament for debate — while seemingly unrelated — are both manifestations of the same malady afflicting the ruling party. The discussion in both Johannesburg and Cape Town […]
Posted inGeneral
Mukwevho decision can bring some relief to gun owners
One of the most emotional issues in South Africa today is that of the licensing, ownership and disposal of firearms. The introduction of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 (Act) has brought with it controversy and resentment from the gun owners of South Africa who are struggling to come to terms with its onerous […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Majali’s positive legacy may outstrip his negative one
Last Monday I appeared in the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court on behalf of one of the suspects arrested for public violence relating to the protests in that township the previous week. In court seven there were, I believe, 19 accused who made their first appearance before a packed gallery waiting to hear what the fate of […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Zuma needs a democratic Zimbabwe to gain credibility over Libya
The continued claim by South African President Jacob Zuma that the approach of the international community to Libya is just one more example of their lack of respect for Africa is not only misplaced but fails to factor in historical considerations relating to the end of apartheid and this country’s woeful efforts to bring lasting […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Why the Constitution, chief justice is vital to the masses
The comments currently surrounding the appointment of the next chief justice and the value of the Constitution to our masses demonstrates the need for an explanation on both. We need to lay to rest the misconception that some would have us believe ie that the Constitution was some sort of a sell out to the […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Zuma nomination fair on process, foul on substance
President Jacob Zuma has nominated Constitutional Court Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng to replace outgoing Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo as provided for in terms of Section 174(3) of the Constitution. The section sets out that the president as head of the national executive, after consulting the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the leaders of parties represented in […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Dewani extradition still in play
British Judge Howard Riddle ruled last Wednesday that Bristol businessman Shrien Dewani, who is accused of murdering his wife Anni while on honeymoon in Cape Town during November 2010, can be extradited to South Africa to face charges of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and kidnapping. The decision is, however, not the final word on […]