Justice for Senzo: The long wait for answers continues as the Meyiwa murder trial is postponed. Image: LagostoJozi.
(The Post News) – The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial is set to continue today at the High Court in Pretoria, with the defense expected to call its first witness. This marks a critical phase in the case, almost a month after the state concluded its presentation of evidence.
The logistical difficulties the defense had in presenting their case have caused the proceedings to be frequently postponed. The singer Kelly Khumalo’s mother lived in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni, when the former Bafana Bafana captain was fatally shot in 2014. Meanwhile, five men are on trial for the murder of Meyiwa..
During the last court appearance in September, all defense counsels cited difficulties in consulting with key witnesses.
In his explanation of the scheduling difficulties, Advocate Charles Mnisi, who was representing accused one (Muzi Sibiya) and accused three (Mthobisi Mncube), said, “My Lord, some witnesses, when you call and request to see them on a particular day, say no, they are not available, and ask to arrange another day.”
In support of accused number two, Bongani Ntanzi, Advocate Sipho Ramosepele echoed these remarks, pointing out that to complete Ntanzi’s defense, he still needs to speak with witnesses in other provinces and has had to travel extensively, including to the North West and Mpumalanga.
The defense attorney for the accused, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, stated that his client will testify after an unsuccessful discharge motion. In order to testify in his defense, Mr. Maphisa will take the stand. But I need to speak with a few witnesses,” Zithulele Nxumalo, Maphisa’s attorney, stated.
Preparations are made more difficult by the fact that witnesses are “scattered” and available on different days because of “work and health commitments,” according to advocate Zandile Mshololo, who is representing accused number five (Fisokuhle Ntuli).
Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng addressed the continuous delays by reminding the attorneys that the court has the authority to subpoena witnesses who are hard to reach in order to get them to appear. The judge declared that after discussions in the defense chambers or in court, the court is ready to order the state to issue subpoenas.
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