Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng has raised concern about the safety of Constable Sizwe Zungu, a key witness in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial.
Mokgoatlheng issued a stern warning to one of the accused in the matter.
This after a video recording from Thursday’s proceedings was played in court showing accused number five, Fisokuhle Ntuli, making threatening gestures to Zungu.
The court adjourned early on Friday to allow Zungu time to recompile his notes after finding mistakes in his statement.
The court heard that he needs to travel to KwaZulu-Natal to get some of the notes.
Expressing concern for Zungu’s safety, Mokgoatlheng ordered that he be escorted by security. “I fear for this gentleman’s life because it was evident that there was an attempt to murder him,” said Mokgoatlheng.
Earlier in the day, Mokgoatlheng pressed Ntuli to explain his actions, to which he replied: “I can’t remember what we were discussing because we talk about a lot of things when we are seated here.”
Advocate Zandile Mshololo, who represents Ntuli, claimed that her client denied any intent to threaten Zungu.
However, state prosecutor George Baloyi disagreed, asserting that the video clearly showed a gesture of someone pulling a trigger. “To me, my lord, that is very serious,” he said.
Mokgoatlheng also revealed that he had observed similar threatening gestures during a previous court session, indicating that he understood the severity of the threats.
“I have 30 years of experience in criminal law. I know all the tricks. I saw those gestures when [Jack] Buthelezi was testifying and did a turnabout under cross-examination. I was watching, I just kept quiet,” he said.
“All the accused are warned to desist, to stand in the decorum of this court while witnesses are giving evidence. No gestures should be directed at the witnesses. A criminal case is not a joke.”
Meyiwa was shot and killed in an alleged intrusion at his then-girlfriend Kelly Khumalo’s home in Vosloorus on October 26 2014.
Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Mncube Mthokoziseni Maphisa, and Ntuli are being tried for the murder of Meyiwa.
They have pleaded not guilty to charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence, and possession of ammunition.
Follow @SundayWorldZA on Twitter and @sundayworldza on Instagram, or like our Facebook Page, Sunday World, by clicking here for the latest breaking news in South Africa.
