News
What’s Causing Delays in the Meyiwa Trial?
The efficiency and unorthodox methods of the apartheid-era police force were notorious for extracting confessions from even the most hardened criminals in township areas. However, the ongoing Senzo Meyiwa trial at the Pretoria High Court has witnessed some witnesses displaying unacceptable behaviour, potentially involving serious violations like perjury.
Also Read: Addressing Mental Health Struggles Among South African Entrepreneurs
It’s uncertain whether the Meyiwa trial would have reached this point if the same approach were applied today. Notably, Brigadier Buthelezi, who initially led the investigation, recommended arresting and charging the six individuals present in the Vosloorus home where Meyiwa was murdered in 2014. His suggestion included charges of perjury and obstructing justice.
These six individuals included Kelly Khumalo, her sister Zandile Khumalo, their mother Ntombi Khumalo, Longwe Twala (son of music producer Sello ‘Chicco’ Twala), and two friends of the deceased, Mthokozisi Twala and Tumoelo Madlala.
However, Buthelezi was removed from the case, and a new team of investigators initiated a different line of inquiry. This new approach introduced the theory of a botched house robbery by unidentified intruders, in which Meyiwa was shot and killed during a confrontation with one of the robbers.
Nevertheless, discrepancies persist, as various witnesses offered conflicting accounts of the events leading to Meyiwa’s death. While some testified that he was shot during the robbery and died in the hospital, a medical doctor disputed this, claiming that Meyiwa was already deceased upon arrival at the Botshelong Hospital.
What remains perplexing is that the two case dockets are now under investigation by separate detective teams, leading to divergent theories and approaches to solving the case. The trial is currently presided over by Chief Justice Ratha Mokgoatleng, with the five accused men pleading not guilty to the charges of Senzo Meyiwa’s murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and various firearm-related charges.
Source: Why is the Meyiwa trial dragging on so long?
Also Read:
Follow us on Google News
Photo: Supplied by Kathorus Mail
