By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela presides over the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.
The bail application of the second accused Bongani Ntanzi in the former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates captain Senzo Meyiwa trial has been denied.
The court said that Ntanzi did not prove exceptional circumstances or that it would be in the interest of justice to grant him bail.
Ntanzi is one of five suspects in the matter. The others are Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Mthobisi Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Sifokuhle Ntuli. They face charges of murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of an unlicensed firearm, as well as possession of ammunition.
Judge Aubrey Ledwaba says Ntanzi failed to provide enough evidence.
“In this case before me having considered the evidence before me I am satisfied that the applicant is not discharged the onus to prove exceptional circumstances that exist and that it would be in the interest of justice to grant bail. The application for bail is dismissed.”
Meyiwa was killed in 2014 at the home of his girlfriend, Kelly Khumalo.
A new legal counsel was appointed by one of the accused earlier this year, raising concerns that the trial could be delayed. However, the National Prosecuting Authority disputed this.
The NPA said the matter had been postponed to May 2 and to proceeded until May 26. A second date for June 5 to 15 was also reserved for the trial.
Meanwhile the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has advised President Cyril Ramaphosa to suspend the presiding judge in the trial of the men accused of killing Senzo Meyiwa.
Judge Tshifiwa Maumela is accused of failing to deliver a series of judgments within a reasonable period.
This comes after the JSC received a number of complaints against Judges Maumela and Judge Mngqibisa-Thusi relating to their failure to deliver a number of reserved judgements.
In a statement issued on Friday, 28 April, the JSC said it will be advising the President of its decision due to the seriousness of the complaints.
The JSC has also decided to advise the President to suspend Judge Maumela, and Judge Thusi pending the outcome of the tribunal processes and certain conditions.
The conditions of the process include that during suspension, the judge must finalise all matters that are present before them.