State Prosecutor George Baloyi has dismissed claims that the evidence against five men facing charges of killing Senzo Meyiwa was planted, saying the suspects were not known at the time of the investigation.
Baloyi put this to the court as he cross-examined the15th witness who is a police officer and forensic expert, Colonel Thobeka Mhlahlo, at the North Gauteng High Court on Wednesday.
During his submission Baloyi challenged Advocate Charles Mnisi’s earlier assertions that a bullet found on the crime scene was planted to trump up charges against the accused and asked if the identity of the perpetrators were known at the time.
Mhlahlo said the suspects “were not known” to them at the time of the investigation.
Mnisi also alleged that the splinter wood that was found near the bullet projectile as shown on the pictures in court was a “koki-pen” drawing.
But Baloyi stuck to his guns saying the evidence was not fabricated.
“In cross examination by accused Number 3’s counsel, Advocate Mnisi, he put it to you that what appears as a splinter wood on photo 127 is a koki-pen drawing,” said Baloyi.
Mhlahlo said: “That is correct my Lord.”
“Does that splinter wood in any way resemble a koki-pen drawing,” asked Baloyi.
But Mhlahlo disagreed that the wood was just a koki-pen drawing.
Mhlahlo compiled the photo album of pictures taken at the Vosloorus house where Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa was shot and killed and he said he worked together with Warrant officer Thabo Mosia to process the crime scene.
The 16th witness and commander at Springs Local Record Centre, Lieutenant-Colonel Joel Ngomana took the stand on Wednesday after he came to submit copies of Mosia’s pocket book, plan register and case register.
The defence lawyers Advocate Zandile Mshololo and Sipho Ramosepele requested them in a bid to collaborate Mosia’s testimony in court.
The pocketbook and case register confirmed that Mosia arrived at 00:20 on 27 October 2014 on the crime scene as he said in his testimony and that he received the complaint from Brigadier Ndlovu.
The five men on trial have denied any involvement in Meyiwa’s killing. They are Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Sifisokuhle Nkani
The case continues.
