Warning issued over delays in Senzo Meyiwa murder trial - 'Memories fade and witnesses forget'

The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial in the Pretoria High Court hit yet another snag on Tuesday — an unavailable interpreter. The prosecutor, advocate George Baloyi, said it was beyond the State’s control to resume with cross-examination of the fourth witness, while the presiding judge warned of the financial implications a delay has on the five accused men.  

The accused are Fisokuhle Ntuli, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube and Mthokoziseni Maphisa. All five face charges of murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, possession of firearms without a licence and possession of ammunition. They have pleaded not guilty. 

The cross-examination by one of the defence lawyers of Mthokozisi Thwala, a friend of Meyiwa and a witness to the murder, was scheduled to resume on Tuesday, but had to be rolled over to Wednesday because the interpreter failed to report for duty.

Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela granted Baloyi’s request to postpone the matter, but warned it was unacceptable and had consequences for all involved.

“It inconveniences people even beyond what we see ordinarily for everybody to be here. On the part of the accused, it might even have financial consequences. In future, let us avoid this kind of thing. Everyone… should be made aware that when something beyond control happens, communication should be in time enough for alternative arrangements to be made.”   

Suspects during the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial in the Pretoria High Court. (Photo: Gallo Images / OJ Koloti)

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