By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The presiding judge in the Senzo Meyiwa trial has again addressed the ongoing delays in the case following a number of lengthy postponements.
The matter resumed on Monday after almost two weeks to allow for the state to furnish the defence with outstanding evidence.
But even after the lengthy break the matter did not sit for a full court day.
This year marks 10 years since Meyiwa- the beloved Bafana Bafana captain was shot at the home of his then girlfriend singer Kelly Khumalo.
The trial, which has been marred by countless delays and stalling has entered its second year and the state still hasn’t closed its case.
About two weeks ago the defence argued that the accused has been prejudiced by the state handing over crucial evidence in drips and drabs, making it difficult for them to consult.
On Monday Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng addressed these concerns.
“It is the duty of the prosecutor to ensure all relevant information is placed before the presiding officer, it must not be left to the accused to do so-meaning the defence also. The duty to ensure that justice is done during court proceedings rests on all officers of the court.”
Proceedings were cut short when the lawyer for the first accused made a u-turn by no longer challenging the contents of bank statements linked to him.
During the proceedings, the state submitted bank transactions that prove that accused number one, Muzi Sibiya, was in Gauteng when the Bafana Bafana captain was shot and killed.
Sibiya is one of five men on trial at the High Court in Pretoria for Meyiwa’s murder.
He initially claimed he was not in the province when Meyiwa was murdered but state prosecutor Ronnie Sibanda submitted bank transactions which showed otherwise.
Sibanda listed several cash withdrawals that had taken place in October from Sibiya’s account in various places including the Joburg CBC and Vosloorus, East Rand.
A few were made in Nongoma and Ulundi in KwaZulu-Natal during the same period.
He also gave the court exhibits as evidence relating to the bank transactions made by accused number one, Sibiya and accused number five, Sifiso Ntuli.
Mthokozisi Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, Bongani Ntanzi, Sibiya and Ntuli are on trial for the footballer’s murder.
All five men have pleaded not guilty to charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, illegal possession of a firearm and the illegal possession of ammunition.
The matter resumes on Wednesday.