The much-publicised murder trial of South African soccer legend Senzo Meyiwa resumed on 22 April 2025 at the Pretoria High Court, but once again slipped into adjournment. Advocate Charles Mnisi, representing accused number one, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, announced his continued need for additional time to prepare a robust defence, sparking a fresh wave of frustration among those keen to see justice served.
This trial, which has endured numerous postponements since it began, has been fraught with challenges, including the death of Meyiwa’s previous advocate, Thulani Mngomezulu, in December 2024. Mnisi took over the case in early 2025 and faces a considerable amount of work to effectively represent his client. Following a previous adjournment granted on 14 April, he again requested a delay, submitting an affidavit to the court that outlined his struggles with preparation and the overwhelming amount of legal work still pending.
Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng expressed a palpable frustration during the proceedings, previously labelling Mnisi’s repeated requests for adjournments as an “abuse of the system”. However, in light of Mnisi’s recent affidavit—where he insisted he did not intend to delay justice—Mokgoatlheng reluctantly consented to a further postponement. The judge questioned Mnisi on when he would be ready, to which the advocate responded that by 19 May he would assess whether he had met his preparedness benchmarks.
The judge’s concerns, however, echo the sentiments of many South Africans who have been drawn into the emotional narrative of Meyiwa’s murder, which unfolded tragically on 26 October 2014 in a seemingly routine domestic situation. Evidence presented previously contradicted Sibiya’s claims regarding his whereabouts at the time of the murder, and the case has been marred by inconsistencies and the re-emergence of controversial figures such as singer Kelly Khumalo, who remains linked to Meyiwa’s death but has yet to face charges.
As the defence prepares for a significant gathering of evidence and consultation with the prosecution, the trial has set a new date for 5 May, when all parties will reconvene. Mnisi’s affidavit reflects mounting pressure not only on the defence team but on the entire judicial process, as the quest for clarity and closure in a case many view as emblematic of South Africa’s complex relationship with crime and justice continues to unfold.