The trial of five men accused of murdering former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa will continue on Tuesday. The case briefly resumed for the continuation of the “trial-within-a-trial” in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Monday.
A new witness was expected to be called to testify, however, the matter was postponed after the defense requested an adjournment to consult.
At the beginning of the proceedings, defense lawyer Sipho Ramosepele introduced Advocate Thulani Mngomezulu in court as a new member of his legal team.
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Ramosepele stated that Mngomezulu will be handling the evidence regarding the aspects covered on Friday and in the future.
Mngomezulu asked for a postponement as he needed time to consult with accused one, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, and accused two, Bongani Ntanzi. He expressed readiness to proceed as from tomorrow as arranged in relation to the evidence of the magistrate.
Mngomezulu also requested for retired Colonel Mhlanganyelwa Moses Mbotho and Nakedi Thapelo Monareng, who testified in the trial-within-a-trial last Friday, to be recalled for cross-examination.
Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng granted the postponement since the state did not object to the request. He stated that the court allows litigants to augment or fire a legal representative at any stage of the proceedings.
Mokgoatlheng also issued an order for Mbotho and Monareng to be recalled back to court. The trial will continue without Advocate Charles Mnisi, who will be unavailable until Wednesday.
Mnisi will be given the opportunity to access records of proceedings in his absence and to cross-examine the witnesses in the Senzo Meyiwa trail.
“All the evidence will be replayed in the presence of Mr Mnisi, and if he so desires, he can cross-examine and pursue any other aspect which transpired when he was not present in court,” Mokgoatlheng ruled.
