Senzo Meyiwa: Case postponed until tomorrow
AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit, who currently have a watching brief on behalf of Ntombifuthi Meyiwa, as well as Zama and Nomalanga Meyiwa (respectively the mother and sisters of the former Bafana-Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa) in the case of Senzo’s murder, said that the postponement today to tomorrow morning was disappointing, but added that it is reasonable to allow accused nr. five the opportunity to consult with his counsel. Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela granted the application for postponement and also ordered that consultation between the accused persons and their counsel must be facilitated by the Department of Correctional Services. The State did not oppose the application.
A legal representative also indicated today that she is acting on a watching brief on behalf of Kelly Khumalo.
Today’s postponement follows after Adv. Zandile Mshololo indicated that she could not consult with her client, because the State only provided certain crucial statements to the defence on 30 March and that she had, in the meantime, struggled to consult with her client who is currently serving a prison sentence in Kokstad. She argued that her chambers in Durban is far from Kokstad and that the Department of Correctional Services refused her requests to consult with her client.
The State indicated that they withheld the statements from the defence teams until two weeks ago, because there are certain witnesses who fear for their lives and they had to be placed in witness protection before their statements could be provided.
“We are obviously disappointed that trial could not commence today, but in this case feel that the request for postponement is reasonable. We will continue to monitor the proceedings to ensure that the Meyiwa-family finally receive justice for the senseless murder of Senzo almost eight years ago,” says Adv. Gerrie Nel, Head of AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit.
Furthermore, Adv. Malesela Teffo, the representative of accused 1 to 4, first indicated that he would oppose the matter because he is ready for trial. Thereafter he indicated that he would not oppose the application, provided that the postponement is less than 24 hours, and thereafter asked if the accused persons (one of which is a sentenced criminal) could be kept in the police cells overnight to allow for consultation. Judge Maumela, however, declined this request.
Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and SifikuhleNkani Ntuli Sifiso are being accused of murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, possession of firearms without a licence and the possession of ammunition.
