JUDGE RECOMMENDED FOR SUSPENSION AS SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL SET TO RESUME
The trial of five men accused of the murder of former Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa is set to resume at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria. However, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has recommended the immediate suspension of Presiding Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela, citing several complaints against him and Judge Mngqibisa-Thusi
TRIAL BACKGROUND
Meyiwa was shot dead on 26 October 2014 in Gauteng, in an alleged botched robbery. The five accused – Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, and Sifisokuhle Nkani Ntuli – face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence, and possession of ammunition. All five have pleaded not guilty.
RECENT TRIAL PROCEEDINGS
The trial was postponed in November 2021 to allow for the new legal counsel for accused 1 and 2, Advocate Sipho Ramosepele, to familiarise himself with the docket and other documents. The case was then scheduled to proceed from 2 May until 26 May, with a second date reserved for 5-15 June. However, with the recommendation for Judge Maumela’s suspension, the trial’s progress could be affected.
NEW COUNSEL AND BAIL APPLICATION
When the trial was postponed in November, a new witness was expected to take the stand. However, proceedings were delayed due to the arrival of the new legal counsel.
Accused 3, Mncube, informed the court in February that he would no longer be represented by Thomas Thobane, instead appointing advocates Mnisi and Mafafu.