By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial has been postponed to Thursday after the State concluded lead investigator Brigadier Bongani Gininda’s testimony.
The defence requested additional time to prepare for cross-examination.
Gininda has been asked to come back and testify a second time after the defence said he wanted to clarify a few points.
During the proceedings, Gininda told the court that Longwe Twala wrote more than three statements pertaining to Meyiwa’s death, He never mentioned being shot.
“No, my Lord, nor did any of the people inside the house say (that Twala was shot),” said Gininda.
Twala was one of those present at Kelly Khumalo’s parental home in Vosloorus on Gauteng’s East Rand in 2014 when Meyiwa was shot and killed.
The court was informed by advocate Sipho Ramosepele that Thulani Mngomezulu would not be able to cross-examine Gininda because of his poor health and that he would have to read the extensive material.
Presiding judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng adjourned the court for Thursday as the defence is expected to start cross-examination.
Five men are on trial at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria for the murder of Meyiwa.
The five accused are Muzikawukhulelwa Sthemba Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Ncube, Mthokoziseni Ziphozonke Maphisa, and Ntuli.
The people who were in the house that day were Meyiwa, Kelly and her younger sister, Zandile, their mother Ntombi Khumalo (MaKhumalo), Longwe Twala, Meyiwa’s friends, Mthokozisi Thwala and Tumelo Madlala, Kelly’s then 4-year-old son, Christian, and Thingo, her daughter with Meyiwa.
All the accused have pleaded not guilty to charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, illegal possession of a firearm and the illegal possession of ammunition.