With the third delay just this week, the trial of Senzo Meyiwa looks set to drag on for a while longer.
The trial was postponed on Tuesday to allow accused number five, Fisokuhle Ntuli, to get medical attention after it was reported that he was unwell. It postponed again on Wednesday after the defence asked for photo evidence. On Thursday it was postponed to October 2 to allow the defence to go through the evidence.
Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Ntuli have pleaded not guilty to the murder of the Buccaneers’ goalkeeper in 2014. He was shot at the home of his then-girlfriend Kelly Khumalo in Vosloorus, in the East Rand.
During the brief proceedings on Thursday, state prosecutor advocate George Baloyi revealed that a meeting had taken place at the office of the director of public prosecutions, at which the master copy of the photo evidence was provided.
This critical evidence consists of approximately 784 photos. Copies of the photos were made available to the defence.
The defence lawyers confirmed receipt of the copies. However, Baloyi said the defence needed to consult their clients about the photos.
Presiding over the case, Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng acknowledged the importance of the defence’s need to consult their clients regarding the downloaded photos.
Mokgoatlheng also urged the defence to consult their expert regarding ballistics evidence.
“This matter will be postponed to October 2 for continuation. The defence must also consult their expert on the ballistics,” said the judge.
On Wednesday, the proceedings came to a halt during advocate Charles Mnisi’s cross-examination of Constable Sizwe Zungu after he requested access to the photo evidence in question.
The request was prompted by a contradiction between the testimony and photographic evidence.
Zungu had stated that accused number three, Mncube, was wearing a lime t-shirt and a necklace at a hostel on October 26, 2014. However, the photos presented in court from that day did not depict Mncube wearing the specified clothing.
The murder case continues to generate significant public interest. With each postponement, anticipation grows for the eventual resolution of this high-profile trial.
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