By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
A Chief forensic investigator Lieutenant Olebile Sereo took the stand in the Senzo Meyiwa trial at the Pretoria High Court on Monday morning as the State’s case nears its close.
Last week, ballistics expert Lieutenant Colonel Chris Mangena finished his time on the witness stand.
Over a year since Mangena first took the stand, he finally completed his testimony on Friday.
At the heart of his evidence is whether the bullet found at the scene of Meyiwa’s murder can be positively linked with a gun belonging to one of the accused, Mthobisi Mncube.
Mangena also claims four of his colleagues agreed with findings.
But the defence has disputed this and said Mangena misapplied ballistic concepts.
During the proceedings on Monday, chief forensic investigator has given testimony, confirming the findings of the state’s ballistics expert.
The court called Sereo to testify on how he peer-reviewed Mangena’s testing.
Sereo has explained how he vetted Mangena’s result.
“The two lines representing the ridges running from the left to the right which are parallel to each other- the pace between these two lines is the same as on this test bullet.
The valley on top of these raised lines corresponds with the valley on the right hand side which is the test.”
Five men, including Mncube, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, Fisokuhle Ntuli, and Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, are on trial for Meyiwa’s murder.
They face charges of murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of ammunition.