Muzi Sibiya, the first accused in the Senzo Meyiwa murder case has alleged that Sergeant Batho Mogola took his phone and instructed him to unlock it with his PIN when he was arrested.
On Tuesday, Sibiya told the court that Mogola later used the device to call a man named Magwaza, from his contact list.
After calling Magwaza, Mogola told Sibiya to direct them to Magwaza’s home.
Sergeant accused of lying about phone
“There’s no time that Mogola asked me for Magwaza’s number. She is not being truthful because she denies taking Magwaza’s number from my phone. But she agrees that she opened it. Mogola is the one who called Magwaza,” Sibiya said.
State prosecutor Advocate George Baloyi questioned Sibiya about his earlier statements, reminding him that police officers, including Mogola, had taken him to Thokoza.
This is where Sibiya was allegedly asked by Mogola for the name of the traditional healer he had consulted after they murdered Meyiwa.
However, Sibiya disputed this version.
“I didn’t say it was in Thokoza. I don’t know what that area is called. We drove off from Vosloorus, heading towards Thokoza,” he clarified.
Baloyi also referred to Mogola’s testimony, in which she claimed that Sibiya’s phone was secured in a safe after being confiscated.
Sibiya rejected that, insisting that Mogola handled the phone.
“That is not true. She came with my phone, opened it, and told me to unlock it with my PIN. That’s how she got Magwaza’s number. What she is saying here is all lies,” he said.
When questioned about the vehicle that was used when they drove to the unknown area, Sibiya picked up a mistake.
Mistake about vehicle used
“Previously, I made a mistake and said it was a Toyota Fortuner. But after thinking about it, I remembered we were actually in a Nissan Qashqai. Although the Fortuner was also there,” he said.
Sibiya told the court that the reason he is under oath is to testify and tell the truth.
Meanwhile, defence lawyer for accused number three, advocate Sipho Ramosepele, informed the court that his client was unwell. He requested permission for him to visit the clinic.
The trial will continue on Wednesday at the Pretoria High Court.
