Senzo Meyiwa murder trial adjourned, childhood friend continues to testify

Former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa murder trial resumed in the North Gauteng High Court on Monday. 

The trial of five men accused of killing the former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper in 2014 in Vosloorus resumed after an adjournment in September.

Tumelo Madlala, who is one of Meyiwa’s childhood friends, was back in the dock for cross-examination.

Timothy Thobane, representing accused 1-4 in the trial, has questioned Madlala on why he had failed to describe the facial features of accused No: 2. Bongani Ntanzi the first time they were asked when the identikits were compiled.  

Madlala has previously told the court that he had attended an identity parade. But had not pointed to anyone as one of the accused that had entered the house. 

SENZO MEYIWA FRIEND TESTIFIES

Thobane: “I put it to you, you, pointing out accused No.: 2 during court proceedings. You only did that because you saw him in the media. Here it is, very clear (that) you could not compile the second suspect and according to you, accused No.: 2 is the second suspect who was standing by the door. According to your version, which you want the court to believe,” said Thobane. 

But Madlala would not agree with this assertion. He insisted that he was sure the person he had pointed out in court was, in fact, the person who had entered the house on a fateful evening. 

“I don’t know where you get that. Even now, I can point him out again. He was there in the house. Even he knows. What you are saying, I don’t know where you get that from,” responded Madlala.  

KELLY KHUMALO SETBACK 

Meanwhile, earlier during the day, the court denied a request by Kelly Khumalo’s lawyer to have access to case dockets and court transcripts. 

Khumalo, who was Meyiwa’s girlfriend at the time, was one of the people inside the house when the incident took place. 

Proceedings were delayed when the court heard that Khumalo’s lawyer, Magdalene Moonsamy, had submitted a letter asking permission to conduct a watching brief for her client.

Proceedings have been adjourned for Tuesday, 15 November.