The marathon Senzo Meyiwa murder trial continued Thursday with arguments over the admissibility of a key defence witness statement, a day after defence advocate Charles Mnisi attempted to withdraw, claiming he is under investigation for allegedly plotting to kill two senior police investigators.
Mnisi, representing accused one and two, told Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng on Wednesday that he felt “mentally affected” after being labelled a person of interest in a conspiracy targeting Brigadier Bongani Gininda and Sergeant Moses Mogola. The judge rejected the recusal bid and allowed Mnisi a short medical break.
Proceedings resumed Thursday morning under heavy security. Focus shifted to whether Sifiso “Gwabini” Zungu’s statement — detailing a hostel meeting of the five accused on the day Meyiwa was shot in 2014 — should be admitted. State prosecutor George Baloyi demanded strict credibility tests, while Mnisi argued no new evidence justified deviating from normal rules.
Zungu remains medically unfit to testify in person but could appear if the statement is ruled admissible. The trial, now in its third year, continues Friday.