The murder trial of the late Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa has faced yet another delay after the Pretoria High Court postponed the case to Monday next week
This after state prosecutor Advocate George Baloyi requested a postponement to allow the state additional time to gather critical information regarding the Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) data of vehicles used during the arrest of the accused.
Baloyi emphasised the importance of this evidence to strengthen the prosecution’s case.
He proposed rescheduling the trial to Monday, ensuring all necessary data is thoroughly compiled.
Tracker data about vehicles
“This contains tracker data about vehicles that are used in investigations,” he said.
However, Judge Ratha Mokgaotlheng questioned the extension period that Baloyi was asking for.
“Why would it take this long?” the judge asked.
According to Baloyi, the SWAT squad is no longer in operation, and these vehicles are from various departments.
“We have to get a hold of the tracking records of the vehicles and movements. And that information must be made available to the defence. They [defence] need to peruse it, consult and then decide what course of action to follow,” Baloyi added.
Baloyi said section 205 petitions will be required for certain of the records, and the magistrate will issue the order.
Postponement granted
The court granted the postponement.
He further informed the court that the defence attorney for accused one and three, Advocate Charles Mnisi, would want Constable Buthelezi and Zungu in court for further cross-examination.
“Regarding what?” Mokgoatlheng asked.
“He must still expatiate on the reason for requesting the call of those witnesses. The information that he will receive will enable him to make a call as to whether or not he’s still going to persist with that application.”
The five men accused of killing Meyiwa: Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Ncube, Mthokoziseni Ziphozonke Maphisa, and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli – face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
They have all pleaded not guilty.
Meyiwa was shot dead on October 26, 2014. The incident happened at the Vosloorus residence of singer Kelly Khumalo, his then-girlfriend.
