By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial was abruptly adjourned in the Pretoria High Court due to the ill health of the defence lawyer Thulani Mngomezulu.
Mngomezulu, has again reported ill during proceedings, forcing an early adjournment.
The other defence counsel Advocate Zandile Mshololo raised the issue during the testimony of the lead investigating officer Brigadier Bongani Gininda at the High Court in Pretoria.
Gininda, who heads the National Cold Case Unit, began his testimony last week, shedding light on the police investigations that led to the arrest of the five accused.
His testimony has revealed that Meyiwa’s murder was a contract killing, allegedly orchestrated by his then-girlfriend, musician Kelly Khumalo.
This claim, according to Gininda, was contained in confession statements by two of the accused.
Gininda’s evidence also appears to rule out Longwe Twala, who was present at the scene, as the possible shooter.
Five people were arrested in 2020 and are facing charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.
The accused — Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Ziphozonke Maphisa, Sifisokuhle Ntuli, Sibiya, and Ntanzi — have entered not guilty pleas.