Mthobisi Mncube’s lawyers, accused number three in the case of former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa, have requested an unprecedented dental examination.
The request comes after the testimony of provincial organised crime unit Sergeant Moses Mabasa.
Mabasa, a seasoned cellphone data analyst who previously testified in August 2023, took the stand at the Pretoria High Court on Thursday afternoon to present evidence related to images allegedly depicting Mncube.
The images, sourced from a Samsung GT memory card, showed a man with dreadlocks, a multi-coloured T-shirt, and distinctive gold teeth.
“On the upper jaw, from the right-hand side, it’s goldish,” Mabasa told state prosecutor advocate Ronnie Sibanda, pinpointing the dental feature in the photographs.
The testimony prompted an unexpected response from Mncube’s defence attorney, advocate Charles Mnisi, who raised concerns about the disclosure of the images.
“Mr Mncube instructs me to request that before I commence with cross-examination, he be taken to a dental surgeon,” Mnisi stated.
“He is also requesting a private dental surgeon, which he will pay for, to verify the authenticity of what is being presented.”
Mnisi argued that the request was integral to his defence and would not prejudice the state or waste time. “This is a genuine request,” he emphasised.
Judge expresses scepticism
Other defence lawyers supported the move, citing the state’s delayed disclosure of the photographs. However, the state opposed the application.
Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng expressed scepticism, calling the request unique and unprecedented.
“You can’t just stand up in court and say you want to make an application,” remarked Mokgoatlheng, demanding legal grounding for the motion.
Mnisi told the court that he would formally launch the application on Tuesday.
The trial has faced significant setbacks, including the death of defence advocate Thulani Mngomezulu in December 2024, which led to a postponement until January 2025.
In what was first reported as a botched robbery, Meyiwa was shot dead on October 26, 2014, at the Vosloorus residence of singer Kelly Khumalo, his then-girlfriend.
The five suspects — Muzi Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Ncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, and Fisokuhle Ntuli — face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
They have all pleaded not guilty. The trial continues on Tuesday.
