By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The presiding Judge in the Senzo Meyiwa trial, Ratha Mokgoatlheng expressed frustration over the presentation of the dental report without the relevant witness present, leading to an adjournment until Friday.
This came after the state, represented by advocate Ronnie Sibanda, introduced a dental report after accused number 3 Mthobisi Mncube went to a dental specialist.
The court was expected to hear the results of a dental examination on Mncube, confirming whether or not he had a gold tooth.
The state has presented a photo of Mncube, taken weeks before Meyiwa’s 2014 murder, showing him with dreadlocks and what appears to be a gold tooth.
The prosecution argues that it closely matches the description of the alleged intruder, at the home of Meyiwa’s then-girlfriend, Kelly Khumalo.
“I don’t understand; why should I see this document without the witness being here? I cannot have sight of this document without evidence being led. My experience tells me that it’s not correct,” Mokgoatlheng stated.
Advocate Charles Mnisi, the lawyer for Mncube, acknowledged the court’s concerns and requested a 30-minute recess to review the report with his client, who had recently been examined by a specialist doctor.
Mnisi also noted that the defence was prepared to proceed if the witness, police sergeant Moses Mabasa, was available.
However, Sibanda informed the court that Mabasa, stationed at Brixton, was not present but had been asked to remain on standby.
After a lengthy adjournment, it emerged that Mabasa was unavailable, as he was testifying in another court case.
The proceedings were adjourned by Mokgoatlheng because the witness was not present.
The court anticipates clarification on the dental report and the availability of important witnesses when the trial resumes on Friday.
The case revolves around the 2014 murder of Meyiwa, the adored goalkeeper for Bafana Bafana. Meyiwa was killed at Khumalo’s house in Vosloorus, which is in the East of Johannesburg.
Five men have been charged with the murder and are currently in jail. They have all pleaded not guilty to a charge of murder.