By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The High Court in Pretoria convened a special sitting in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial for one of the accused to confirm his new lawyer.
Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, the first accused in the murder trial of Meyiwa, was expected to appoint a new legal representative in a special sitting on Wednesday.
This follows the death of his attorney, advocate Thulani Mngomezulu. The latter passed away on December 10, prior to the court’s recess for holidays.
Mngomezulu died at Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital in Vosloorus, east of Johannesburg. He died after suffering from an undisclosed illness.
During his illness, he was supposed to start cross-examining Brigadier Bongani Gininda, the case’s lead investigator. But this was postponed until he recovered.
During Wednesday’s court session, Advocate Charles Mnisi, who currently represents Mthobisi Mncube, informed Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng that he had agreed to take on Sibiya’s defence.
However, Mnisi noted that some final paperwork still needed to be completed.
As of now, there’s literally nothing I can do with regards to consultation with Sibiya on the matter because I don’t have the power of attorneys as yet.
“However, I may say that in principle, I will be assisting Sibiya with the conduct of his defence,” he explained.
He added that the matter would be finalised by 20 January, when the trial is set to resume after the court recess.
“I have spoken to him and informed him of the situation,” the advocate said.
Mokgoatlheng assured the legal teams that Mnisi would have an opportunity to cross-examine Gininda, once Advocate Zandile Mshololo completes her questioning.
The former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper was fatally shot while visiting his then-partner Kelly Khumalo at her mother’s residence in Vosloorus, Gauteng, on 26 October 2014.