Senzo Meyiwa murder trial to resume on Monday

The trial of the five men accused of murdering former Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa, is set to resume at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Monday, 17 July.

The trial was postponed after presiding judge who has since been suspended by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Tshifhiwa Maumela fell ill.

SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL TO RESUME

As previously reported by The South African, the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial was postponed on 12 June as Maumela was sick and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that he will not be available for a long time.

Gauteng Deputy Judge President, Aubrey Ledwaba said Maumela will not be available for a long time due to health reasons but the matter needs to proceed.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa issued letters of suspension to Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela and Judge Nomonde Mngqibisa-Thusi on Tuesday, 28 June for failing to deliver judgements timeously. The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is in the process of appointing a tribunal for each one of the judges.

ALSO READ: Ramaphosa suspends Judge Maumela – What does this mean for the Meyiwa trial?

WILL PREVIOUS WITNESSES BE CALLED BACK?

Weighing in on the postponement of the trial due to Maumela’s ill health, legal expert Mpumelelo Zikalala said witnesses who have previously testified in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial are likely to be called back.

Two police Sergeants Thabo Mosia, Patrick Mthethwa as well as Meyiwa’s two friends Tumelo Madlala and Mthokozisi Thwala have testified.

The trial is expected to start afresh as Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng was recently appointed to preside over the matter.

ALSO READ: Meyiwa trial: Witnesses who have testified likely to be called back if judge is replaced

ALSO READ: ‘Justice for Senzo’: Zandie Khumalo writes to Ramaphosa to fast track proceedings

Meyiwa was shot dead on 26 October 2014 at the home of his girlfriend and singer Kelly Khumalo in Vosloorus, Gauteng in an alleged botched robbery.

Five men are on trial for the murder of the soccer star, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli. They face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence and possession of ammunition. All five men pleaded not guilty.