The murder trial of Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirate’s goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa hit a snag on Friday as the defence lawyer for accused number one, advocate Thulani Mngomezulu, was absent from proceedings.
Advocate Zandile Mshololo stood in for Mngomezulu and informed the court that he was unable to attend due to illness, having visited a doctor.
Mngomezulu, through Mshololo, conveyed his apologies and indicated that he would conduct his cross-examination upon his return.
“He said I must apologise on his behalf that he is sick; he had to go to the doctor and asked that I stand in for him and he will do his cross-examination when he comes back,” Mshololo said.
Judge’s dissatisfaction
However, presiding judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng expressed dissatisfaction with the indirect communication, emphasising the importance of direct communication between advocates and the court.
“When I say some advocates do not respect judges, people think I am just being impossible,” said Mokgoatlheng.
“I made remarks in front of Mr Mngomezulu that you communicate with the judge personally; you do not communicate via a secretary.
“Now he is telling us he will cross-examine when he comes back in court, and he knows the procedure.”
Mngomezulu’s absence follows his previous indication that he would challenge bank records presented by the state.
These contentious records, revealed on Thursday, shed light on the movements of Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, one of the five men accused of Meyiwa’s murder.
Bank statements
Contradicting Sibiya’s alibi, the bank statements placed him in Gauteng at the time of the crime rather than in KwaZulu-Natal, as he had previously claimed.
The absence of Mngomezulu and the revelation of contradictory evidence have further complicated the trial, prompting Mokgoatlheng to adjourn proceedings until Monday.
Meyiwa was shot and killed at the home of his then-girlfriend, Kelly Khumalo, during an alleged home invasion in Vosloorus in October 2014.
Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, and Fisokuhle Ntuli are currently on trial for Meyiwa’s murder and they have all entered pleas of no guilt.
