A squabble between the state and the defence counsel in the Senzo Meyiwa murder case has resulted in another unexpected adjournment.
This comes after the defence attorney for accused number three, Charles Mnisi, stated that the maps presented by the state during Vodacom expert Pinky Vythilingam’s testimony do not accurately show certain locations in Vosloorus.
Vythilingam took the stand again before the Pretoria High Court on Thursday to continue her testimony. This she time focused on the distance between cell phone towers and the crime site. The site where Meyiwa was murdered in October 2014.
Defence argued about the maps
On Wednesday, the court adjourned early to allow the state to provide the maps to the defence. To also accept directions from their clients, the five accused.
In court, things took a turn when Mnisi revealed that they had only received the maps an hour and a half ago.
According to Mnisi, they could not consult and take proper instructions before the accused were brought in, just before court started.
“There are areas in Vosloorus that are not depicted here that form part of our defence. There is a version of it that we have that revolves around Vosloorus.
“If the state still insists on using this map, we are going to request that it furnish us with a composite map. A map that reflects a larger area of Vosloorus than one they have provided us with,” said Mnisi.
Presiding judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng responded. He said that there is no law allowing the defence to dictate how the state conducts its case.
Thulani Mngomezulu, accused number one’s counsel, claimed that he is familiar with the area and ready to proceed. However, Mnisi requested a brief adjournment to allow the map issue to be resolved.
After the adjournment, state prosecutor Ronnie Sibanda informed the court that they did not reach a consensus.
Map issue could not be resolved
“We are of the view that we can continue with what we have. However, if the defence sees a need for us to adjourn until tomorrow for the maps, that can be done my lord,” said Sibanda.
Sibanda said the information that the defence is demanding will not assist them with presenting their evidence.
The Vodacom expert, Vythilingam, is in her second week of testimony.
She was summoned to testify about the actions of the cell phones used by individuals present when Meyiwa was murdered.
She has been providing testimony based on their records of incoming and outgoing phone calls. Also about SMSes, towers, and regions where the phone was picked up.
