By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Senzo Meyiwa trial was adjourned after defence lawyer Charles Mnisi, representing accused number three, Mthobisi Mncube told the court that he was suffering from a terrible headache.
Mnisi on Tuesday morning cross-examined Vodacom forensic supervisor Pinky Vythilingam.
Vythilingam was questioned by Mnisi about her qualifications. He also questioned her about the different kinds of fraud relating to identity fraud/sim cards/ and airtime fraud. She stated that there was no police officer that is given access to their system at Vodacom.
She stated that access to their system is monitored and audited. That one would require a username and password to get access to certain information.
Mnisi referred Vythilingam to an affidavit where she spoke about the ethics of Vodacom processes.
“It seems to me that there is a disclaimer from Vodacom. Where it says data cannot be tampered with while it is on your servers. Mr X comes with all his credentials and extracts information and takes it somewhere.”
Vythilingam responded: “We extract the information. But there are different levels of access. They will upload subpoena. We verify the information and then we will validate and approve. If the information has been incorrectly added, it is declined. And if it is approved, the data is run.”
She further added that when the data leaves their offices it is in PDF form. They give it to whoever in good faith, and once it leaves the office, they do not know what happens to it.
After that, Mnisi touched on the allegations by the state. He said there was an intrusion at a house in Kutlwanong street at Vosloorus.
“That is why we are here. The state then went out of its way to say accused number three was one of the intruders in the house,” said Mnisi.
In his cross examination, Mnisi showed Vythilingam photos that were taken on the day in question. He also analysed data picked up from his cellphone about his whereabouts on the day.
After court was adjourned for for lunch, Advocate George Baloyi said the defense requested the re-analysis of ballistic exhibits.
The presiding judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng said the formal handing over of the exhibits must be done inside the court. This is because he wants to be certain that the gun is handed over in court.
Meyiwa was shot and killed while visiting Kelly Khumalo at her mother’s residence in Vosloorus, Gauteng, on 26 October 2014.
Khumalo ordered the hit on her former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper, according to Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya and Bongani Ntanzi’s confession statements.
Sibiya, Mthokozisi Mncube, Ntanzi, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, and Fisokuhle Ntuli are on trial for Meyiwa’s murder.
They face charges of murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of an unlicenced firearm, and possession of ammunition.