The cross examination of the ballistic expert in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, Christian Mangena, has been temporarily halted until the defence lawyers have consulted with their own expert.
Mangena took the stand in the North Gauteng High Court where the trial against five men accused of killing Meyiwa was postponed overnight for a new witness to be called.
Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng said it was in the interest of justice for the postponement to be granted.
“The reason for this hiatus in the matter not to proceed regarding the cross examination of the colonel is understandable: the accused are entitled to be accorded the fullest opportunity to conduct their defence so that the interest of justice is satisfied.
“I am sure that this is a reasonable request to be tautologous which makes this court amenable to postpone the matter as announced by the defence councils. So will adjourn your cross examination until we are advised further. So tomorrow we will proceed with another witness,” he added.
On Wednesday, during his evidence in chief Lieutenants Colonel Christian Mangena told the court that he was able to determine that the deadly bullet that killed Meyiwa’s was fired from the 9 mm pistol that was found in accused Number 3 Mthobisi Mncube’s possession.
Mncube was nabbed in 2015 for a taxi violence related case and he was found in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The trial continues
