Police have launched a probe into a robbery and attempted kidnapping incident involving a former investigator in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial.
According to the police, the official who was traveling in a state vehicle in Lombardy East, Johannesburg, was allegedly forced to stop by a group of armed suspects, who attempted to push him into the boot of their vehicle, but he was allegedly able to escape.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe says items taken will not have an impact on Meyiwa’s ongoing trial.
“Several items taken during the armed robbery which include a state issued firearm with ammunition, a police reflector jacket, a laptop bag containing a laptop, USB drives as well as photocopies of documentation related to the Senzo Meyiwa case.
Original dockets and copies thereof as well as exhibits linked to this case are safe.
As the matter is on trial, the copies of the docket were made available and disclosed to the defence team as early as 2022, as required by law,” Mathe explained.
According to Mathe, the motive of the crime is still unknown and that investigations to determine its connection with the ongoing trial are underway.
She also indicated that the former investigator was unharmed during the attack.
Furthermore, the incident comes as the trial is expected to resume on Monday 19 May following numerous postponements to allow the legal representative for accused one, Muzi Sibiya, Advocate Charles Mnisi, to familiarise himself with Sibiya’s charges.
When the court reconvened on the 5th of May, Mnisi confirmed that he will be in good standing to proceed on the 19th.
He is expected to begin by cross-examining lead investigator and state witness, Brigadier Bongani Gininda.
