By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The state’s ballistic expert Colonel Christian Mangena cross-examination by the defence lawyers in the killing of former Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa will start on Monday.
Mangena was in the Pretoria High Court on Tuesday, after Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng ordered the start of his cross-examination.
It’s been a year since Mangena gave evidence on the gun that was used to murder the Bafana Bafana captain in October 2014, but the defence is yet to cross-examine him.
When the defence asked for time to prepare to cross-examine Mangena a year ago – they cited the technical nature of his evidence, saying they needed their own ballistic expert to consult with.
Over the last year – the State has repeatedly told the court that Mangena is ready to be called back onto the witness stand.
However, the defence first struggled to find an expert and then had challenges with consulting.
Advocate Charles Mnisi, who is representing accused number three, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, informed Mokgoatlheng that the defence attorneys are not prepared to cross-examine Mangena, due to the incomplete report from their expert.
Mokgoatlheng has given the defence more days to get its house in order and prepare to challenge ballistic evidence.
Mokgoatlheng asked: “So Monday are we going to start?”, to which Mnisi responded, “Yes my lord”.
Mokgoatlheng continued: “No stories Mnisi; unless there is a force majeur but from where we stand we don’t foresee any hindrance.”
The matter has been postponed to Monday, where Mangena’s cross-examination is expected to finally get underway.
Mangena is known for being involved in reconstructing the shooting of Reeva Steenkamp by paralympian Oscar Pistorius and that of whistleblower Babita Deokaran.
Meyiwa was fatally shot while visiting his then girlfriend Kelly Khumalo at her mother’s residence in Vosloorus, Gauteng.
Fisokuhle Ntuli, Mkhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mncube and Mthokoziseni Maphisa 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.