Cape Town – The defence team in the ongoing Senzo Meyiwa trial has expanded its members, as the trial continues to intensify.
The case briefly resumed for the continuation of the “trial-within-a-trial” in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Monday.
The court is currently examining the admissibility of alleged confessions made by two of the five men accused of murdering Senzo Meyiwa.
The prosecution claims these statements are admissions of guilt, but the defence argues that they were obtained under duress and intimidation by the police.
A new witness was slated to provide testimony, but the proceedings were delayed as the defence requested a postponement to facilitate consultations.
The defence team, led by lawyer Sipho Ramosepele, has introduced advocate Thulani Mngomezulu as a new member.
Mngomezulu has requested time to consult with the first two accused, indicating readiness to proceed with the trial.
Advocate Thulani Mngomezulu, has joined the defence team of accused 1 and 2, Muzi Sibiya and Bongani Ntanzi, in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial https://t.co/qZhRlwl3e5
— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 16, 2023
“I am ready to proceed as from tomorrow [Tuesday] as arranged in relation to the evidence of the magistrate, and I was going to bring an application for the recalling of Conel Mbotho who has already testified of Friday together with Sergeant Monareng,” EWN quoted him as saying.
Mngomezulu also asked for the recall of retired Colonel Mhlanganyelwa Moses Mbotho and Nakedi Thapelo Monareng, who provided testimony during the trial-within-a-trial last Friday, to undergo cross-examination, The Citizen reported.
Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng approved the postponement, as the state did not raise any objections.
“The court is amenable to the application of a postponement for instructions to Advocate Mngomezulu in respect of accused number one and accused number two. Our Constitution allows a litigant at any stage of the proceedings to augment or fire a legal representative,” the judge said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
