By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial has been hit by yet another snag after it resumed after a two-week recess, accused number three Mthobisi Mncube called for proceedings to be suspended over his continued incarceration in solitary confinement at the Kgoši Mampuru II Correctional Centre in Pretoria.
Providing an update on the matter, presiding Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng revealed that he informed Gauteng Judge President Dunstan Mlambo about Mncube’s complaint.
Mokgoatlheng advised accused number lawyer advocate Charles Mnisi to bring an application to court defining his client’s rights.
Mnisi stated that Mncube expressed feeling “mentally drained “and that he had reached a breaking point, saying “he can no longer take it” after spending over four years in solitary confinement.
The accused is now seeking to have the trial halted.
“He is basically requesting that he be afforded the opportunity to try and get an attorney and an advocate through his family that is going to assist him, but the unfortunate part is he will not be in a position to do that when he is also attending this court.
“So, that means for him to be able to fight the battle… is for this trial to be suspended, “Mnisi explained.
However, Mokgoatlheng denied the request, citing the need to consider the interests of justice, including the other accused and the witnesses involved in the case.
Mnisi warned that the current predicament could see his client applying for a separation of trial.
Meyiwa was shot and killed while visiting Khumalo at her mother’s residence in Vosloorus, Gauteng, on 26 October 2014.
Mncube, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, and Fisokuhle Ntuli are on trial for Meyiwa’s murder.
They face charges of murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of an unlicenced firearm, and possession of ammunition.