By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Senzo Meyiwa trial has stalled once again in the Pretoria High Court to allow defence lawyer Advocate Charles Mnisi more time to prepare to begin cross-examination of the investigating officer.
Five men are being tried for the crime.
The five accused men – Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, and Sifisokuhle Nkani Ntuli – face charges of murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The trial, which began in 2022, has been marked by numerous delays and controversies.
Last week, the case resumed, with the lawyer representing the second accused expected to begin cross-examination of Bongani Gininda.
But he could not proceed, telling the court he was not ready.
When Thulani Mngomezulu, the lawyer representing Muzi Sibiya, died in 2024, Advocate Mnisi, the lawyer for the alleged gunman Mthobisi Mncube, agreed to represent him too.
But he’s been unable to proceed, saying there were thousands of pages he needed to familiarise himself with.
This is despite having asked the court for three weeks to prepare, and Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng giving him over two months.
During the proceedings, Mnisi brought an affidavit petitioning the court.
Advocate George Baloyi, the state prosecutor, did not object to Mnisi’s request.
Advocate Zithulele Nxumalo and lawyer Sipho Ramosepele, two other defence attorneys, also did not object to Mnisi’s request. Owing to poor health, defence attorney Advocate Zandile Mshololo did not appear in court.
The presiding Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng granted Mnisi yet another postponement, this time until 5 May.
This will be for the advocate to give a report on his progress in reading over 40,000 pages of evidence. Mnisi said that he should be ready to proceed two weeks later on 19 May.
Former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper and captain Meyiwa was shot and killed on October 26, 2014, at the home of singer Kelly Khumalo’s mother in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni.