Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela. Image: Thulani Mbele
BREAKING: Judge dismisses witness’ request for a broadcast ban
Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela has dismissed the application of a State witness for her testimony not to be broadcast live.
Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela. Image: Thulani Mbele
Presiding Judge in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela has dismissed an application by a State witness for proceedings not to be broadcast live when she testifies in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.
The matter was postponed on Monday, 15 May after a State witness requested for her testimony not to be broadcast via audio or audiovisuals saying it would make her uncomfortable and possibly endanger her life. Proceedings were further delayed on Wednesday, 17 May where Maumela was expected to make a ruling on the matter.
WITNESS’ REQUEST FOR A BROADCAST BAN DISMISSED
Giving his ruling on Thursday, 18 May, Maumela said the court has to take the public interest in this case into consideration and has to consider sensitivities where the applicant is placed in a situation where she would face the glare and the scrutiny by members of the public.
Maumela further said there are a vast number of people who have interest in this case and for various reasons do not have means to be in court, on the other hand, he said courts should be seen as going out of their way to protect the lives of witnesses who testify.
“While the court understands that beaming her face may bring an unintended adverse consequences to bear against her, there is no evidence showing that the public broadcast which shows her voice will disadvantage her,” he said.
“Live broadcast of the image of the witness will not be permitted, members of the electronic media are permitted to live broadcast the testimony of witness number 1 by means of an audio. The prohibition of images of witness number 1 while she testifies shall remain in place until the finalisation of this case,” he said.
Meyiwa was shot dead on 26 October 2014 at the home of his girlfriend and singer Kelly Khumalo in Vosloorus, Gauteng in an alleged botched robbery.
Mthokozisi Thwala, Tumelo Madlala, Longwe Twala, singer Kelly Khumalo, her mother Ntombi Gladness Khumalo, her sister Zandie Khumalo and her two children Christian and Thingo were present when Meyiwa was shot.
ALSO READ: ‘Special witness’: Defence lawyers slam request for broadcast ban in Meyiwa trial
Five men are on trial for the murder of the soccer star, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli. They face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence and possession of ammunition. All five men pleaded not guilty.
ALSO READ: Meyiwa trial: Defence counsel pokes holes in Thwala’s testimony
