By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Tumelo Madlala, the close friend of late soccer star Senzo Meyiwa, took the witness stand once again on Tuesday at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, facing cross-examination by defence lawyers representing the five men standing trial for the murder of the former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper.
Madlala faced intense scrutiny over his recollection of events on the night of Meyiwa’s murder, particularly in relation to the description of the first intruder who had a gun.
During the cross-examination led by Advocate Sipho Ramosepele, He challenged Madlala’s account of Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi’s appearance, focusing on his claim that Ntanzi had a beard and was taller than the other intruder. Madlala remained steadfast in his assertion, emphasising that upon entering the courtroom during the previous trial, he immediately recognised Ntanzi as the intruder he had encountered.
He said: As I was walked into the courtroom, I was then able to see him, and I said to myself: ‘ I know this person. This person, I once met before’. I also remember him based on how his beard was trimmed and styled at the time.
The defense lawyer disputed Madlala’s description of Ntanzi’s appearance, highlighting that Ntanzi consistently appeared clean-shaven in court and had never sported the described beard style.
Madlala responded with frustration, stating: “I don’t know what he’s intending with that [statement]. It must mean that I’m insane.”
Madlala then became frustrated with Ramosepele’s line of questioning.
Ramosepele: “The truth of what happened in that house is only known by yourself, Kelly Khumalo, Zandile Khumalo, MaKhumalo and Mthokozisi Thwala.”
Madlala: “The truth that you are talking about is the truth that I am presenting here in court.”
Ramosepele: “I put it to you that there were no intruders that entered the house on 26 October 2014 and killed Senzo Meyiwa.”
Madlala: “If that is what you are saying then you have got the answer as to who actually did it. At least tell me who it was so I can be able to answer you.”
The witness insisted there was no truth to what Ramosepele said. “
“What you are saying is lies. I apologise if it sounds as if I’m being disrespectful, but I don’t have time to play. Whatever you are saying, you are privy to saying it because you are on the side of the people you are defending.
“I wish to receive that information pertaining to the allegations that I am lying. What would be the reason for me to lie? It must be nice for you, you don’t know what I had undergone as a result of this case,” he said.
Ramosepele explained to Madlala that he has been respectful to the witness and was only doing his job.
“You are disrespecting me by saying there were no intruders inside that house. I was there,” the witness said, before the judge intervened.
“I apologise. It’s just that I am now fed up of the fact that it is being said that there were no intruders in the house. Yoh! I am tired. Those are lies,” Madlala added.
Madlala was also grilled by Ramosepele about his failure to call the police after Meyiwa was shot.
He said he did not even try the 10111 helpline as he had never dialled that number before.
Court proceedings will resume on Thursday.
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Video Courtesy of ENCA.