Advocate Malesela Teffo ate into his fellow defence colleague’s cross-examination with a bizarre submission, on Friday, where he argued for a halt in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial.
Advocate Teffo faces off with judge in Senzo Meyiwa trial
Weeks into the proceedings unfolding at the Pretoria High Court, Teffo, who had a number of days to cross-examine the State’s first witness, evidence collector Sergeant Thabo Mosia, implored the judge to put a stop to the trial and consider pursuing another trial, involving the alleged injustices suffered by his four clients, accused 1, 2,3 and 4.
Advocate Teffo alleged his clients’ first court appearance in Boksburg occurred improperly, and that their rights were not read to them before charges were registered on the court’s roll.
More shocking was Teffo’s claim that at some point in the near future, the trial will deal with confessions from two of his clients that, he alleges, were forced out of them by means of assault.
When Teffo was challenged by Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela on the merits of his submission which was not forwarded via the appropriate channels, the defence lawyer went into a meltdown, chastising the court for proceeding down an unprecedented path toward the supposed violation of his clients’ constitutional rights.
Here’s a look at the fiery exchange between Teffo and Judge Maumela.
[ON AIR] The cross-examination of forensic officer Sergeant Thabo Mosia, who was first at the crime scene after #SenzoMeyiwa's murder in 2014 while at the home of his girlfriend Kelly Khumalo in Vosloorus, continues.
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) June 3, 2022
Tune into #Newzroom405 for live proceedings. pic.twitter.com/gKuYvgeGVg
The State’s response to Teffo’s submission was straightforward: There currently isn’t a formal application for a trial within a trial based on the merits presented by accused 1-4’s defence, brought before the court via the appropriate channels.
Advocate Zandile Mshololo, who represents accused 5, concurred and implored the judge to allow her the time she is owed to resume with her cross-examination of Mosia.
In the end, Judge Maumela dismissed Teffo’s application on a technicality. The defence lawyer mentioned allegations not included in an affidavit submitted appropriately through the respective channels.
“I rule that this case continue. I rule that Advocate Mshololo, who was busy cross-examining, be given the opportunity now, to continue with cross-examination,” Maumela said.
Teffo has indicated his intention to file the appropriate submission by Friday, for urgent consideration on Monday, 6 June 2022.
Mosia had taken the stand to resume with cross-examination, at the time this article was published.
Follow the live court proceedings in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial here.