- Cross-examination of Vodacom forensic supervisor Pinky Vythilingam continues.
- Defence for Accused 3 highlights discrepancies in cell data related to Kelly Khumalo.
- Prior testimony linked Khumalo’s cell number to one of the suspects, but this was refuted during cross-examination.
- Defence plans to lay fraud charges against those allegedly manipulating data.
Tensions were palpable at the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, where Vodacom forensic supervisor Pinky Vythilingam faced intense cross-examination by Advocate Charles Mnisi, representing Accused 3, Mthobisi Mncube.
Kelly Khumalo never called one of the accused, cell data expert confirms
The defence aimed to challenge the integrity of the cell tower data, which previously suggested a link between one of Kelly Khumalo’s cell numbers and the suspects.
Mnisi meticulously pointed out discrepancies between the data provided by Vodacom and the data presented by Colonel Lambertus Steyn.
Mnisi highlighted that on 26 October 2014, at the crucial time of 19:30 to 20:00, the cell phone data placed the number ending 8169, allegedly belonging to one of the suspects, in Johannesburg CBD, not near the crime scene.
This directly contradicted the state’s narrative that the suspect was at the scene of the crime in Vosloorus.
Additionally, Mnisi referred to call records from 15 October 2014, which were previously presented by the state as evidence of communication between Kelly Khumalo and Mncube.
Vythilingam confirmed under cross-examination that the call at 17:33 on that date was actually between Khumalo and Meyiwa, not Mncube.
This revelation was significant as it dismantled a key part of the state’s case linking Khumalo directly to the accused on that day.
Mnisi also questioned the validity of photos and timestamps allegedly linking the suspects to the crime scene.
He pointed out that the cell data at 17:41 placed the phone at Vosloorus West, while later at 17:34, it was detected at the Benrose Tower, far from where the state claimed the suspects were.
These inconsistencies significantly undermined the previous testimony that connected Khumalo’s cell number to one of the suspects, casting doubt on the integrity of the evidence presented.
Senzo Meyiwa trial: Defence threatens fraud charges against alleged ‘data fixers’
The defence, led by Mnisi, threatened to lay fraud charges against those responsible for the alleged data manipulation.
Mnisi argued that the discrepancies in the cell phone records constituted a misrepresentation of facts, potentially fabricating a case against the accused.
He stressed that the variations between the Vodacom data and the state’s records suggested deliberate tampering aimed at falsely implicating Accused 3 and others.
Mnisi declared that the defence would consult on filing a formal complaint based on these allegations of fraud and obstruction of justice.
The ongoing trial seeks justice for Senzo Meyiwa, the South African football star who was fatally shot in Vosloorus in October 2014.
The five accused, including Mthobisi Mncube, face charges of murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, possession of firearms, and possession of ammunition.
The defence has persistently challenged the state’s case, arguing that the evidence has been manipulated to falsely implicate their clients.
The trial resumes on Thursday with Vythilingam back under the kosh.