In the ongoing case concerning the murder of soccer star Senzo Meyiwa, a pivotal trial-within-a-trial has commenced to discern the validity of confession statements by the accused.
Senzo Meyiwa trial-within-a-trial: The defence’s case hinges on validity of confessions
The gravitas of the Senzo Meyiwa murder case will further deepen as the court embarks on a trial-within-a-trial on Monday to ascertain the authenticity of confession statements by two of the accused, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya and Bongani Ntanzi.
The case, currently unfolding in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, reached this critical juncture following the defence’s assertion that both accused were coerced into signing the confession statements under duress.
One of the focal points of the trial revolves around Sibiya’s claim of being assaulted and tortured into signing a confession, albeit without lodging any criminal cases against the alleged perpetrators.
The confession, procured on the day of his arrest on 30 May 2020, is now under meticulous scrutiny.
Retired police officer Colonel Mhlanganyelwa Mbotho, who recorded Sibiya’s confession, was the first to testify.
Mbotho recollected being contacted by investigating officer Colonel Bongani Gininda for assistance in documenting the confession.
Following standard procedure, Sibiya was informed of his rights and a pro forma document was completed prior to taking the confession.
Mbotho emphasised that Sibiya, during the procedure, did not indicate any assault or undue influence, except for mentioning tight handcuffs which were subsequently loosened.
During cross-examination, Sibiya’s attorney, Sipho Ramosepele, probed Mbotho with Sibiya’s version of events which starkly contrasted Mbotho’s account.
Sibiya alleged a harrowing tale of being assaulted, tortured, and smothered with a plastic bag at the police station.
Despite these serious allegations, Mbotho vehemently denied the claims, maintaining that no such assault occurred under his watch, and noted the discrepancy in Sibiya’s narrative concerning the number of officers present during his transportation to the police station.
Adding another layer to the narrative, Ekurhuleni Metro Police Officer Constable Nakedi Monareng, who transported Sibiya to Mbotho, also testified.
Although accused of being part of the law enforcement group that allegedly assaulted Sibiya, Monareng denied any such involvement or knowledge of the asserted assaults.
This segment of the trial is set to continue on Monday.