Police officer Vusimuzi Mogane contradicted his earlier testimony regarding the vehicle’s condition used in transporting a suspect in the 2020 Senzo Meyiwa murder trial.
Senzo Meyiwa trial: Sgt Mogane faces scrutiny over inconsistent statements
Officer Mogane initially claimed that the vehicle used to transport Bongani Ntanzi, an accused in the case, had been recently serviced. This statement suggested that the car was in optimal condition, supporting higher-speed travel without issues.
During Wednesday’s cross-examination by defence advocate Thulani Mngomezulu, representing Ntanzi, the officer’s testimony was dissected.
The Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) data contradicted Mogane’s initial claims, showing multiple stops and periods when the vehicle’s ignition was off, especially near the Protea Industrial Park on the N12 in Johannesburg.
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Mogane later admitted to problems with the vehicle, including checking the tyres and dealing with smoke and power loss, contradicting his earlier testimony of the car’s good condition. A particular focus was on a 22-minute stop at a petrol station where Mogane attended to the car.
Further complicating his testimony, Mogane mentioned calling an independent mechanic to address alleged brake issues. This action raised additional questions about the vehicle’s supposed recent servicing and good condition.
Mngomezulu highlighted the sudden emergence of vehicle problems while driving on the N3, contrasting it with the uneventful journey from Pretoria to Carletonville.
The Senzo Meyiwa trial is expected to resume on Thursday.