The vehicle transporting Mthokoziseni Maphisa, accused number four in the former Bafana Bafana shotstopper Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, was involved in a collision on Wednesday morning while en route to the Pretoria High Court.
According to state prosecutor, advocate George Baloyi, the accident occurred at the intersection of Kgosi Mampuru and Nana Sita streets in Pretoria.
Correctional Services officials notified Baloyi about the accident.
However, Maphisa, who is currently in detention at Leeuwkop Prison, asserted his suitability to continue with the trial.
However, Baloyi highlighted standard Correctional Services protocol in such incidents.
“The Correctional Services indicated that its normal procedure is that if there is such an accident, the prisoner must be taken for medical examination, and that means him being taken back to Leeuwkop, booked out, and then taken to a medical facility,” Baloyi explained.
Accident not severe
Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng, who is presiding over Meyiwa’s murder case, enquired whether Maphisa was injured.
“He is unscathed, but we know that in any collision, there might be things that manifest at a later stage, so perhaps it might be wise to have him subjected to medical examination,” Baloyi responded.
Mokgoatlheng addressed Maphisa’s counsel, advocate Zithulele Nxumalo, to confirm if his client was ready to proceed.
“The law is very funny because you can waive it. He is the only one who can waive that right. I am not saying he must waive it,” Mokgoatlheng said.
Nxumalo said the accident was not severe.
“It was not a serious accident because only the front part of the van was damaged, and he said he is fine. He has waived his right,” said Nxumalol.
Maphisa waives his right
Mokgoatlheng sought confirmation from Maphisa.
“Sir, are you sure? “You have the right to request an adjournment so that you can go and consult a doctor,” said Mokgoatlheng.
Maphisa reiterated that he was fine and wished to continue with the proceedings. Mokgoatlheng then cautioned Maphisa about potential future complications.
“If you later discovered issues, such as a latent fracture, it doesn’t mean you cannot sue the government in 20 years’ time based on your decision to continue.
“It doesn’t extinguish your claim because you are basically saying that at the state that you are, physically, you think you can go on.”
The trial proceeded as Maphisa opted to waive his right to an immediate medical examination.
