By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial in the Pretoria High Court has been postponed to Tuesday, to allow legal representatives to have a pre-trial conference.
Zandi Khumalo, the sister of the slain soccer star’s girlfriend Kelly Khumalo, was in the witness box when the trial was postponed. Five men are currently charged with Meyiwa’s killing in 2014.
All five accused need to approach Legal Aid as their trial is set to start afresh.
State prosecutor, Advocate George Baloyi, requested an early adjournment as Sipho Ramosepele, Advocates Charles Mnisi, Zithulele Nxumalo, and Zandile Mshololo want their legal fees to be paid by Legal Aid through JudiCare.
But the new presiding judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng was reluctant to postpone the matter on Monday, saying a whole day would go to waste.
“We have agreed that we need to hold a pre-trial conference regarding this matter, and we have agreed to hold the pre-trial tomorrow morning before your lordship,” said Baloyi.
“Why not today,” asked Mokgoatlheng.
“Well, today they are going to sort out the issue of the legal representation with Legal Aid,” responded Baloyi.
“Will it be sorted out tomorrow?” Mokgoatlheng wanted to know.
“We are available. That was our learned friends’ suggestion that they would like to.”
“No, you can’t waste the whole morning and the whole afternoon. I can make an order that all counsels are here. They must have a pre-trial with you and (Junior) Nsibanda,” responded Mokgoatlheng.
The trial against Muzi Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Sfisokuhle Ntuli will start afresh in the High Court in Pretoria.
Although charges against the accused remain the same, they are still expected to plead before the trial can start.
The five men have been accused of premeditated murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, illegal possession of a firearm and the illegal possession of ammunition.
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Video Courtesy of SABC.