The high-profile murder trial of late Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa has encountered yet another setback, as the Pretoria High Court announced a postponement to Monday next week. This delay comes at the request of state prosecutor Advocate George Baloyi, who emphasised the necessity of gathering additional crucial evidence related to Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) data associated with the vehicles used during the arrest of the accused.
During proceedings, Advocate Baloyi articulated the significance of this critical evidence, asserting its potential to bolster the prosecution’s case against the five men charged with Meyiwa’s murder. “This contains tracker data about vehicles that are used in investigations,” he explained, underscoring the weight of this information as integral to the legal process.
However, the timeline proposed by Baloyi raised eyebrows in the courtroom, leading Judge Ratha Mokgaotlheng to question, “Why would it take this long?” Baloyi informed the court that the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) squad had been disbanded, complicating efforts to obtain tracking records from various departments. He acknowledged that the necessary information must be made available to the defence, stating that they need time to review and consult on the data before determining their next steps.
“We have to get a hold of the tracking records of the vehicles and movements,” Baloyi added, reinforcing the legal obligation to ensure transparency and allow the defence adequate opportunity to prepare. In line with legal protocol, Baloyi mentioned that Section 205 petitions would be required for certain records, which would then need judicial endorsement.
The court ultimately granted the postponement, paving the way for further developments in the case. Baloyi further revealed that the defence attorney for accused individuals one and three, Advocate Charles Mnisi, intends to summon Constable Buthelezi and Zungu for additional cross-examination during the next session. However, details surrounding the purpose of this request remain to be clarified, with the judge asking Mnisi to elaborate on the necessity of those witnesses.
Senzo Meyiwa, who tragically lost his life on October 26, 2014, was fatally shot at the Vosloorus residence of his then-girlfriend, singer Kelly Khumalo. Five accused men—Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Ncube, Mthokoziseni Ziphozonke Maphisa, and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli—currently stand trial, facing numerous serious charges including premeditated murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. All accused maintain their innocence, having pleaded not guilty.