KEY POINTS
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The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial has been delayed again after defense lawyer Charles Mnisi requested more time to review 40,000 pages of evidence.
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Judge Mokgoatlheng expressed frustration over the repeated delays, calling it an abuse of the system but reluctantly agreed to one final postponement until April 22, 2025.
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The trial, which has been ongoing for years, involves the murder of former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa and has been marked by significant delays and public interest.
The murder trial of former South African football star Senzo Meyiwa has been delayed once again, much to the frustration of the presiding judge.
The trial, which resumed in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Monday, April 14, 2025, was expected to make significant progress but was hindered by a request from the defense team for an additional postponement. This marks yet another delay in a case that has already been dragged out for years.
Advocate Charles Mnisi, who took over the defense of accused number one, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, after the death of Sibiya’s former lawyer, Thulani Mngomezulu, in December 2024, made the request. Mnisi, who also represents accused number three, Mthobisi Mncube, had been scheduled to cross-examine Brigadier Bongani Gininda, the lead investigator in the case.
However, Mnisi informed the court that he was not prepared to proceed with the cross-examination, citing the overwhelming volume of evidence that needed to be reviewed.
“My Lord, I have done the best that I can. My life actually came to a standstill,” Mnisi said in his address to Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng.
The defense lawyer explained that he had been reviewing over 40,000 pages of documentation, and while he understood the importance of moving forward, he needed more time to prepare thoroughly. “I had to forfeit my registration for the Two Oceans Marathon last week because I had no choice but to concentrate on this case,” he added.
TheCitizen reports that Mnisi admitted to underestimating the volume of work involved, stating that he had to read, analyze, and compare the documents in addition to formulating his argument.
He emphasized that proceeding without being fully prepared would be an injustice to his client, Sibiya. “If I had to come and tell the court that I am ready, that will be an injustice to Mr. Sibiya,” Mnisi remarked.
Judge expresses frustration over ongoing delays in Meyiwa trial
The request for another delay was met with visible frustration from Judge Mokgoatlheng, who criticized the continuous postponements. He described the situation as an abuse of the system, particularly given the extensive amount of time that has already been allocated for the defense team to prepare. “I gave you two months and three weeks, even the Judge President fought with me. There is nothing mysterious about murder,” said Judge Mokgoatlheng, clearly exasperated by the stalling tactics.
Despite his dissatisfaction, Judge Mokgoatlheng reluctantly agreed to grant one final postponement. The trial is now set to resume on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. However, the judge warned the defense team that this would be the last delay allowed. “It cannot go on and on. Mr. Mnisi, you must be ready on Tuesday. We will continue on that day,” he firmly stated.
The delay is not only causing frustration among the legal teams but is also drawing criticism from those following the high-profile trial. The case has already been prolonged for years, with significant public interest due to the tragic death of Meyiwa, a beloved former goalkeeper for Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana. He was fatally shot in 2014 while visiting his then-partner, Kelly Khumalo, in Vosloorus, Gauteng.
The accused, including Sibiya, have all pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of ammunition. The trial is expected to continue well into 2025, with many hoping for a resolution soon.
