BREAKING: Senzo Meyiwa trial postponed – Here’s why

The trial of the five men accused for the murder of former Bafana Bafana captain, Senzo Meyiwa has been psotponed to Monday, 13 June 2022. 

Defence lawyer for accused 5 trial Advocate Zandile Mshololo asked for a postponment after she received the second docket into the murder of Meyiwa on Wednesday morning. The second docket is a case the Director of Public Prosecutions in the South Gauteng division wanted to pursue against the people who were in the house the night Meyiwa was shot. 

WHY IS THE SENZO MEYIWA TRIAL POSTPONED? 

Adv Mshololo said she will not be able to continue with the cross examination of State witness, Sergeant Thabo Mosia because she needs time to go through the contents of the docket and consult with her client. 

Mshololo said her client (accused 5) was prejudiced because the second docket in the matter calls for all the people who were in the house that night to be charged for the murder of Meyiwa.

Presiding Officer, Judge, Tshifhiwa Maumela said he keeps in mind that there are people in custody and that there is a family that has buried a son and wants to know what happened as well as a country that lost a remarkable individual. 

“This matter is postponed up until Monday, 13 June 2022 so that we can be able to determine the way forward. 

“Adv Mshololo should be allowed reasonable time to peruse the docket for Vosloorus 375/01/2019 and that reasonable time will be determined by the dynamics that shall confront her as she prepares.” 

Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela

CONTENTS OF THE SECOND DOCKET TAKES CENTRE STAGE

Last week, defence lawyer, Adv Malesela Teffo who represents accused 1 to 4 in the case revealed to the court that there is a second docket in the murder case.

He revealed that the Director of Public Prosecutions at the South Gauteng local division wanted to pursue a case against all the seven people who were in the house when Meyiwa was murdered. 

Teffo said according to the indictment, the relevant people who are supposed to appear before the court are: Longwe Twala (accused 1), Kelly Khumalo (accused 2), Gladness Khumalo (accused 3), Zandie Khumalo (accused 4), Tumelo Madlala (accused 5), Mthokozisi Twala (accused 6) and Maggie Phiri (accused 7). 

He also told the court that the above named people were accused of murder and defeating the ends of justice.

Accused 1 to 6 are said to have hatched a plan to say that armed robbers had entered the house and shot Meyiwa. Accused 7 is said to have cleaned the house before the arrival of the police.

ALSO READ: Senzo Meyiwa trial: Key highlights from court proceedings