The 11th witness and police officer attached to the provincial taxi violence unit, Sergeant Bhekumuzi Dlamini is adamant accused Number 3 Mthobisi Prince Mncube was read his right when he was nabbed in 2015 for a case linked to taxi violence.
This as the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial continues in the North Gauteng High court.
On Monday, Dlamini took to the stand to give evidence about how the firearms and cellphone belonging to Mncube were discovered.
Dlamini said he was working with his colleague Sergeant, Mandla Masondo when the black 9mm Czech Republic pistol, 28 rounds of ammunition and a Samsung GT E2220 cellphone was found on 9 February 2015.
Dlamini said they arrested Mncube following a tip off after they had been looking for a taxi violence-related matter with case number 501/01/2015.
He added that when Mncube was nabbed he was charged for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition at Cleveland Police Station after he failed to produce a license.
During cross-examination in court Mnisi questioned Dlamini and asked if he read Mncube his rights.
“Let go back to my question at what point were the rights relating to his choice explained to him,” asked Mnisi
“When we spoke to him we expected him to respond but he kept quiet. So when we realised that he kept quiet we then decided that we should then proceed because he is not responding to us,” replied Dlamini.
“Did it not click into your mind that he didn’t understand these that you were explaining to him by him keeping quiet,” asked Mnisi
Dlamini said he confirmed that he (Mnisi) understood his right hence they proceeded to search the room he had been renting at the time.
Mncube, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Sifisokuhle Nkani Ntuli have pleaded not guilty to charges of charged with murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
The trial continues.
