Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng has postponed the matter to May 19 for further cross-examination of the lead investigating officer in the murder case, Brigadier Bongani Gininda.
Mngomezulu represented Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, and following his demise, one of the defence lawyers, advocate Charles Mnisi, announced that he would be representing the murder-accused Sibiya.
Last month, after a hiatus of almost three months, Mnisi requested Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng to postpone the matter again, which displeased the judge.
“Mr Mnisi you have had more than enough time, two months and three weeks. That is what we accorded you as a postponement. And you have been in this trial since when my predecessor, Judge (Tshifhiwa) Maumela was seized with the matter,” Mokgoatlheng addressed the court last month.
Moments later, Mnisi told the court that if the judge insists that the matter resumes on Tuesday, he would not be able to represent Sibiya.
“If the court is saying that I should come next week ready to proceed with the matter, then I am going to request that I be excused from representing accused number one (Sibiya).
Last week, the judge postponed the matter to May 5 in line with Mnisi’s request. All accused men remain in custody.
On Monday, Mnisi assured the court that he will be able to proceed on May 19.
Five men accused of killing Senzo Meyiwa, Muzikawukhulelwa Sthemba Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Ncube, Mthokoziseni Ziphozonke Maphisa, and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli, appearing in the High Court in Pretoria.
The five accused men – Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, and Sifisokuhle Nkani Ntuli – face charges of murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The trial, which began in 2022, has been marked by numerous delays and controversies. Defence lawyers have repeatedly questioned the state’s case, arguing that the wrong suspects have been arrested while those present at the scene remain free.
The trial has hit several roadblocks, including having to start from scratch in July 2023.
In the house, that day were Meyiwa, Kelly and her younger sister, Zandile, their mother Ntombi Khumalo (MaKhumalo), Longwe Twala, Meyiwa’s friends Mthokozisi Thwala and Tumelo Madlala, Kelly’s then four-year-old son, Christian, and Thingo, her daughter with Meyiwa.
Though he may be leaving his post as Orlando Pirates coach at the end of the season, José Riveiro has laid the foundations for the Sea Robbers to become an even greater force in South African football.Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Pirates’ 2-1 Betway Premiership win over Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby over the weekend was the number of youngsters who took to the field for Riveiro.Relebohile Mofokeng, […]
