Colonel Thobeka Mhlahlo took the stand to testify in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial at the Pretoria High Court on Tuesday.
Mhlahlo, who compiled the crime scene photo album, offered detailed insights into the crime scene investigation, shedding light on the meticulous process of gathering evidence and the discovery of crucial bullet projectile evidence.
However, a controversy arose as the five men accused of killing the late soccer star demanded access to post-mortem photos of the deceased, leading to a debate over their admissibility in court.
Advocate George Baloyi, who led Mhlahlo’s evidence, requested for post-mortem photos not to be shown in the gallery.
Defence lawyer Zandile Mshololo requested for the images to be furnished to the defendant who preferred colour over monochrome copies.
Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng expressed concern about the appropriateness of showing dismembered photos of the deceased, emphasizing that respect for the deceased should be maintained.
He suggested that the photos be provided to the accused parties in printed form rather than being displayed in open court.
“If you show dismembered photos of the deceased, it’s not in good taste because the person is already dead,” said Mokgoatlheng.
Meyiwa was gunned down during an alleged botched robbery at the home of his then-girlfriend Kelly Khumalo on October 26 2014.
In the dock for Meyiwa’s murder are Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, and Sifisokuhle Ntuli. They have pleaded not guilty.
Crime scene investigation:
Mhlahlo’s testimony provided a closer look into the investigation conducted on October 27 2014, a day after the murder of Meyiwa.
The court heard that Mhlahlo alongside Warrant Officer Thabo Mosia and others meticulously documented the crime scene, which included photographing the damaged door and areas of interest.
Mhlahlo confirmed that the team swabbed areas for potential evidence and photographed these actions, recounting the sequence of events leading to the discovery of a bullet head behind glass jars atop a cupboard near the damaged door.
She described the process of carefully recovering the bullet, preserving it in an envelope, and labelling it as exhibit one.
Additionally, she explained how the scene was combed through for evidence, and how the recovered items, including the bullet and cans, were sealed in forensic bags under the supervision of Mosia.
The trial continues…
Follow @SundayWorldZA on Twitter and @sundayworldza on Instagram, or like our Facebook Page, Sunday World, by clicking here for the latest breaking news in South Africa.
