By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Lead investigator Brigadier Bongani Gininda has denied offering accused two, Bongani Ntanzi, R3 million for a confession implicating “the right people” in the murder of Senzo Meyiwa.
Gininda was being cross-examined in a trial-within-a-trial in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Thursday morning.
The court heard testimony that Meyiwa’s murder was a contract killing and not a robbery gone wrong.
Gininda replied: “I am shocked by the claim that police bribed the suspects. I have never heard of a case where the state or police officers offer the accused persons R3-million.”
“It is absolutely not true, it is a lie. There is no budget that I have to make such an offer. I didn’t have a budget of R3-million for the unit during that time.”
“Even if it was available, why would I do that? The accused cooperated with me on the 18th and told me he was willing to make a statement voluntarily. Subsequent to that, on the 19th in the morning, he made the confession. What is the point of going to him on the 21st? For what promises? There were no promises made.”
“What I know is that there was an understanding between me and accused two that he is freely and voluntarily willing to make a confession to an independent officer. Subsequent to that, arrangements were made for a confession to be taken and it was indeed taken,” said Gininda.
Meanwhile advocate Thulani Mngomezulu, on Thursday told the that court his client, Ntanzi had on the first day tried to get the attention of the magistrate to tell him that attorney Ntokozo Mjiyako did not represent him, but his attempts failed.
Mjiyako is the lawyer who represented him when he allegedly made a confession before a magistrate and was part of a plea bargain process.
He also came on the record representing Ntanzi at the first appearance, telling the court Ntanzi would not apply for bail.
Mngomezulu intends to bring an application for the recording where Ntanzi allegedly raised his hand, stating he did not want the representation of Mjiyako. This, according to Mngomezulu, will prove Ntanzi was not legally represented by Mjiyako.
He said he had a video which serves as proof and was still trying to make arrangements for it to be shown in court.
Mthobisi Mncube’s counsel, advocate Charles Mnisi, also said he could not proceed with cross-examination without the records or the video.
Prosecutor George Baloyi objected to the video being introduced as evidence, saying there were court record from the proceedings and records made by the magistrate on the day.
However, records made by the magistrate read in court only indicate the accused refused to enter the dock and their rights were read and explained to them. The records stated the accused were not represented, except Ntanzi, who was represented by Mjiyako.
Mnisi said the magistrate’s records were incomplete.
Mngomezulu said Ntanzi denies having instructed Mjiyako and signing a confession before a magistrate.
Meyiwa was tragically shot and killed at Khumalo’s home in Vooslorus on October 26, 2014.
The incident occurred in her presence. Her mother, sister, and children, Meyiwa’s two friends, and her sister’s then-boyfriend were also present.
Muzi Sibiya, Ntanzi, Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, and Fisokuhle Ntuli are on trial for Meyiwa’s murder and have all entered pleas of not guilty.