in the ongoing Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has received a boost with the Pretoria High Court dismissing the application for discharge by accused number four, Mthokoziseni Maphisa. Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng ruled that sufficient evidence exists, compelling Maphisa to answer to the charges against him related to the tragic 2014 murder of the former Bafana Bafana captain.
This ruling comes as a relief to the prosecution, marking another milestone in a trial that has drawn considerable public interest. Maphisa, the only one of the five accused to seek a discharge, had argued that testimony from state witness, Constable Sizwe Zungu, was contradictory and not credible. However, Judge Mokgoatlheng found Zungu’s evidence to be corroborated and reliable, essential components that warranted the continuation of the trial.
“This was just what we call the purview to see whether there is evidence. At the most, I find that there is prima facie evidence which needs answers,” stated Judge Mokgoatlheng. Additionally, he stressed that Maphisa’s application fell short as it narrowly focused on Zungu’s testimony while neglecting other significant evidence, including ballistic analysis, cellphone records, and statements from his co-accused.
Bringing clarity to the proceedings, the judge elucidated Zungu’s credible recollection of the events on the night of Meyiwa’s death. “He said he was invited by a gentleman called Gwabeni to come to a celebration at Basotho Hostel. What is critical is that Zungu said when he got there he met accused number 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. He engaged them, and even went to buy alcohol with them,” recounted Judge Mokgoatlheng.
In response to the court’s decision, NPA Gauteng Spokesperson Lumka Mahanjane expressed optimism, stating, “This is encouraging for the state since this is the second hurdle that the state had to jump. You must remember the first hurdle was the admissibility of the confession statement, which were admissible. Now, this is the second hurdle that we have to jump, and the court found that the state has prima facie evidence that needs to be answered.”
The trial will resume on 22 September.