The trial-within-a-trial for the Senzo Meyiwa case kickstarted on Monday with State witnesses providing testimonies that raised questions about handling accused Muzi Sibiya.
Senzo Meyiwa trial-within-a-trial: Key moments in cross-examination
Magistrate Vivian Cronje, who was first to take the stand, faced a cross-examination that revealed a number of irregularities.
Advocate Zandile Mshololo questioned Cronje on several aspects, including the heavy police presence during Bongani Ntanzi’s confession and the absence of crucial documentation.
Cronje confirmed that she did not ask for credentials from the so-called attorney representing accused 2, Ntanzi, nor did she verify if he was held in legal or illegal detention before taking his statement.
Another critical point was whether Ntanzi was held in illegal detention for eight days before appearing in court.
Magistrate Cronje acknowledged considering it an “irregularity,” but proceeded with taking a statement from Ntanzi, who appeared willing to speak and claimed to have legal representation at the time.
Questions around Muzi Sibiya detention and legal representation
Tshepiso Motlhapeng, a court interpreter, was the next witness.
She detailed the process of translating Muzi Sibiya’s alleged confession. Motlhapeng stated that Sibiya seemed willing to speak, but she did not notice any injuries, contradicting the defence’s claims that he had been assaulted.
The defence counsel, led by Advocate Thulani Mngomezulu, brought into question the validity of the confession, citing allegations of torture and forced signing of documents.
They also pointed out date discrepancies on the pro forma document presented by the new witness, Lieutenant Colonel Hadebe, who conducted the pointing out of the scene with accused Muzi Sibiya.
The Senzo Meyiwa trial-within-a-trial resumes on Tuesday with Lt-Col. Hadebe back on the stand.