Presiding judge in the Senzo Meyiwa murder case, Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng, has taken decisive action to ensure the safety of advocate Thulani Mngomezulu. This amid concerns of intimidation and potential harm.
The decision came after Mngomezulu reported a chilling incident to the judge on Wednesday.
The court heard that two unidentified individuals attempted to gain entry into his residence earlier in the morning. Fortunately, Mngomezulu was alerted to their presence by the barking of his dogs, thwarting the potential intrusion.
Mokgoatlheng, addressing the court, disclosed Mngomezulu’s concerns. He highlighted the attorney’s belief that the incident may be linked to his involvement in the ongoing Senzo Meyiwa murder trial.
Unknown individuals tried to enter his premises
“It appears there are people who visited his home in the morning. Fortunately, when they wanted to enter the premises of Mr Mngomezulu, the dogs barked,” Mokgoatlheng said.
“He suspects they were out to harm, injure or kill him because this is what happens in South Africa.”
Mngomezulu represents the first accused in the matter, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya. The accused is currently in the dock with four other accused.
Mngomezulu had previously revealed details from an affidavit by Sifiso Meyiwa. It implicated muso Chicco Twala’s son, Longwe, in the murder of Meyiwa.
His client implicated Longwe Twala
According to the defence, witnesses described a scene where Longwe, in a drunken state, wielded a .38 special revolver. This resulted in three shots being fired.
Meyiwa was fatally shot, and Longwe injured himself in the ankle. His then-girlfriend Zandie Khumalo was also wounded.
The defence lawyer further claimed that crucial evidence was manipulated by investigators to protect certain individuals. The evidence included ballistic analysis.
Mngomezulu criticised the investigation conducted by Sergeant Batho Mogola, who was on the stand on Monday. He also criticised one of the officers involved, stating that it was “far from the truth” and failed to consider alternative scenarios.
Amidst these revelations on Wednesday, advocate Charles Mnisi, representing the third accused Mthobisi Mncube, also raised questions about the integrity of the investigation into Meyiwa’s death.
Mnisi criticised what he described as a “disjointed and fragmented” approach to the case.
Investigator’s handling of the case also questioned
Sgt Batho Mogola, a member of the investigative team, faced scrutiny during proceedings regarding the handling of the case. Questions were raised about the failure to interview Meyiwa’s family and eyewitnesses immediately following the incident.
Mnisi reiterated Mncube’s assertion of innocence. He stated that his client had no involvement in Meyiwa’s death. He also lacked knowledge of the circumstances surrounding it, Mnisi added.
