By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The State’s ballistic expert Lieutenant Colonel Chris Mangena’s cross-examination in the Senzo Meyiwa trial at the Pretoria High Court stalled on Monday.
Mangena was expected to present his findings on the firearm used to murder the football star, and how it was linked to the crime scene.
He spent last week under cross-examination, a year since he first gave testimony.
He has drawn links between the bullet found at the scene of Meyiwa’s murder in October 2014 and a gun found at the home of one of the accused, Mthobisi Mncube.
Five men are standing trial for the Bafana Bafana captain’s murder at the home of his girlfriend, singer Kelly Khumalo.
Advocate Charles Mnisi, who represents Mncube, has been leading the cross-examination of Mangena, saying the ballistic analysis involving the firearm found at his client’s home was a borderline case, and that there was no clear link between his client’s gun and the bullet found at Khumalo’s home.
But Mangena insisted there were enough marks made by the gun on the bullet, and that’s why a direct link could be drawn.
During the proceedings on Monday, state prosecutor George Baloyi told Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng that Mangena’s chart presentation with his findings is ready to be demonstrated in court.
The defence lawyers said they needed 30 minutes to go through the chart presentation before continuing with their cross-examination. The matter was then adjourned for 30 minutes.
After the adjournment, Mnisi, said he would be ready to continue with his cross-examination on Tuesday, noting that he needed more time to go through the chart presentation.
“I need more time to go through the documents so that I can consult with my client and my expert,” said Mnisi.
“Lt-Col Mangena had the whole weekend to prepare this presentation, and he used a microscope to prepare this.
“I am using my naked eye. I will be ready to proceed with my cross-examination on Tuesday.”
Baloyi did not object to Mnisi’s request.
Judge Mokgoatlheng gave the defence the day to study and familiarise themselves with Mangena’s charts for cross-examination on Tuesday.
Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Sifisokuhle Nkani Ntuli face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence, and possession of ammunition.