It was yet another frustrating day for defence counsel advocate Charles Mnisi at the Pretoria high court on Friday.
Mnisi, who started his cross-examination of lead investigator in the case brigadier Bongani Gininda, informed the court that the presiding judge, Ratha Mokgoatlheng is frustrating him.
On Friday, he started by asking Gininda about the AVLs on the vehicles that were used by police when they arrested accused number one.
However, judge Mokgoatlheng interjected and said he remembers the question being asked to a metro cop that testified in the trial.
Mnisi said Mokgoatlheng was misunderstanding him.
“No, my lord, I do not think the court understands me,” stated Mnisi.
Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng, visibly impatient with the trial’s slow progress, urged efficiency.
“Wait. Wait. I remember that type of evidence and he said no, they do not drive cars with AVLs. What is your problem Mr Mnisi, I am trying to help you. I do not want time to get wasted,” said Mokgoatlheng.
Mnisi said he was not done with his cross examination.
“But I am not finished my lord, if the court can give me time to finish. I am frustrated by what the court is doing, I am really frustrated. This is really frustrating. Each time I am trying to talk, the court puts words in my mouth. Each time I say something, the court interjects,” he said.
He further stated that Mokgoatlheng treats him like a child.
“The court is now talking about something I have not talked about. I am sorry my lord, I think I must mention this without any fear of reprisal, I am taking a very dim view of being treated like a child,” said Mnisi.
The trial is of five men—Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, Mthobisi Mncube, and Fisokuhle Ntuli—accused of the murder of former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa.
The accused face charges of murder, attempted murder, robbery, and firearms offences, all of which they deny.
Meyiwa was killed on October 26, 2014, at the Vosloorus home of his then-girlfriend, Kelly Khumalo.
The trial will continue on Monday.
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