In the ongoing Senzo Meyiwa murder case, Chris Mangena, the ballistic expert, will now be cross-examined on May 20, according to the court.
This will give the defence team enough time to finish their consultation and obtain legal aid funds for their expert.
The decision comes after the court was informed by Legal Aid South Africa’s official that the defence team only submitted an application for funding two weeks ago.
Legal Aid summoned to court
Legal Aid was summoned to appear in court by Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng on Tuesday. It was to clarify whether funding would indeed be provided for the defence’s consultation with their chosen ballistic expert.
According to Mokgoatlheng, ballistic expert Chris Mangena was cross-examined in August 2023. However, eight months later, the defence is still not ready to proceed with his cross-examination.
Mokgoatlheng said it’s in the interest of justice, the public and even the accused that the delays are addressed.
The Legal Aid official said they still haven’t received a breakdown of the cost for this expert.
“We sent an e-mail to the defence on how to do the costing. But up until now the defence hasn’t been forthcoming with those details.”
Defence says expert is responsible for the delay
Advocate Charles Mnisi, the legal representative for accused number three, Mthobisi Mncube, changed tune. He said they have been in contact with the ballistic expert, and he’s the one who hasn’t furnished those details.
The court proceedings sitting before the Pretoria High court were cut short. This to allow for the filing of a supplementary affidavit by the next state witness.
Background
Meyiwa was shot and killed at his then-girlfriend Kelly Khumalo’s home in Vosloorus, east of Joburg, on October 26 2014. Five men are on trial for the murder. They are Sibiya, Ntanzi, Mthobisi Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, and Sifisokuhle Ntuli. The men have all entered pleas of not guilty.
