Justice for Senzo: The long wait for answers continues as the Meyiwa murder trial is postponed. Image: LagostoJozi.
(The Post News)– After a request by the defense for additional time to speak with their witnesses in the Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates captain Senzo Meyiwa trial, the trial of the five men charged with Meyiwa’s murder has been rescheduled until October 13, 2025. As all defense attorneys mentioned difficulties in their preparations, the trial, which was scheduled to start on Monday with the defense presenting its case, came to a standstill.
There were weeks of anticipation before the announcement following a significant court decision earlier this month. One of the five defendants, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, filed a Section 174 application for discharge, but Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng denied it. With this decision, the state has established a legitimate argument and supporting documentation, to which Maphisa is now subject.
Zithulele Nxumalo, Maphisa’s defense attorney, had made an effort to undermine the testimony of Constable Sizwe Zungu, the only witness who identified the five accused as being in a hostel in Vosloorus on the day of the October 2014 murder. Zungu’s evidence, which included a photo of him with all of the accused, was considered credible by Judge Mokgoatlheng, who also noted that the evidence was connected.
The defense had two weeks to prepare its witnesses after the state closed its case. The defense was scheduled to call an unidentified witness on Monday, but their evidence was not to be given. Mnisi, Ramosepele, and Nxumalo, among other defense attorneys, told the court that they were still speaking with their witnesses. For this reason, the expected witness did not testify.
Following deliberations, the court decided to set a new trial date for October 13, 2025, which is the start of the fourth term. Another chapter is added to Meyiwa’s lengthy and complicated case by the postponement.
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