The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has promised to deliver justice ahead of the start of Senzo Meyiwa’s murder trial at the Pretoria High Court on Friday, eight years after the soccer star was murdered at the home of his girlfriend Kelly Khumalo in Vosloorus, east of Johannesburg.
In a statement on Friday, the NPA expressed disappointment in the delays and postponements of the murder trial.
It said: “As the NPA, we are doing everything in our power to ensure that this matter is finalised. We too hope that there will be no further postponements. We understand the frustrations of the family and their need for closure, which can only be achieved when justice is served.”
The trial was initially scheduled to start on April 11 but was delayed due to postponement requests by the legal representatives of accused number five to consult with a client and witnesses.
NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said when the trial was due to resume on March 17, a new legal representative, advocate Malesela Teffo, was appointed to represent accused 1-4.
“Judge Bam warned advocate Teffo that he would not allow any further postponements, therefore, he needed to ensure that he was ready to proceed with the trial on April 11.”
Accused number five’s legal representative, advocate Zandile Mshololo asked for a one-day remand because she needed to consult with her client regarding a statement received on March 28 because of challenges faced at the correctional facility.
Mshololo further requested a five-day postponement, accusing the state of handing over the statements late.
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