The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial is set to recommence at the Pretoria High Court on Monday, following a previous delay due to the illness of presiding judge Tshifhiwa Maumela.
Deputy Judge President Aubrey Ledwaba had addressed the court in June stating that Maumela would be away “for a long time”.
“The reason I am here today is because my colleague, judge Maumela, is ill and may not be here for a very long time,” said Ledwaba.
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended Maumela, following his failure to conclude multiple outstanding court matters.
The suspension was recommended by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), as both Maumela and another judge were unable to meet the prescribed timeframes for resolving cases.
“The JSC has decided to request, in terms of section 19 of the Judicial Service Commission Act, 1994, that the chief justice appoint a Judicial Conduct Tribunal to consider the complaints and will, in terms of section 19(4) of the JSC Act, advise the President of its decision.
“Due to the seriousness of the complaints, the JSC has also decided to advise the president that it is desirable that judges Maumela and Mngqibisa-Thusi be placed on suspension pending the outcome of the tribunal processes with certain conditions, including that the judges must, during the period of suspension, finalise all matters that are presently before them,” the commission said at the time.
A new judge named Ratha Mokgoatlheng has been appointed to take over the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial. Consequently, it is expected that the trial will start anew.
The incident took place on October 26 2014, when Meyiwa was fatally shot at the residence of his then-girlfriend Kelly Khumalo in Vosloorus, east of Johannesburg.
The accused individuals in the murder case are Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli.
They have been charged with premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, and possession of firearms without a license. All the accused have pleaded not guilty to these charges.
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