In the photo are Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Mncube and Mthokosizi Maphisa. Photo: Archive
Forensic experts will be the first state witnesses to be called when the trial into the murder of Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa commences on Monday.They will explain ballistic evidence showing that the carcass of a gun found at the crime scene matched the firearm found in the possession of one of the accused, Mthobisi Mncube.
State Advocate George Baloyi outlined the state’s approach in leading its evidence at the Pretoria High Court on Friday, citing that a cellphone that was confiscated from Mncube when he was arrested contained images of the alleged murder weapon with the caption “My killing machine”.
“The ballistic expert will be in a position to explain to the court the evidence found through examination and will present it in the form of a chart,” Baloyi said.
The five men, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Sifiso Ntuli, have denied killing the soccer superstar.
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The group pleaded not guilty to charges that include premeditated murder, attempted murder (for shooting at Zandile Khumalo), robbery with aggravating circumstances (for seizing a cellphone during the incident), possession of an illegal firearm and possession of ammunition.
Meyiwa was killed on October 26 2014 while visiting his then girlfriend and mother of one of his children, singer Kelly Khumalo, at her mother’s house in Vosloorus, east of Johannesburg.
On that tragic day, Meyiwa, Kelly Khumalo, her younger sister Zandile, their mother, Ntombi Khumalo, Longwe Twala, Meyiwa’s friends Mthokozisi Thwala and Tumelo Madlala, and Kelly’s two children were in the house.
Before the proceedings on Friday, Kelly Khumalo’s legal representative Magdalene Moonsamy said her client was ready to come to court and testify about what she knows about the 2014 murder.
“If the prosecution requires her as a witness in court, she is a witness in the matter and has been compliant and cooperative,” said the lawyer.
City Press previously reported that Mncube was allegedly assaulted last week by officers at Kgosi Mampuru prison in Pretoria.
His lawyer, Advocate Malesela Teffo, pleaded with the court to have his client moved to a different facility, but presiding Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela did not heed the request.
READ: ‘Arrest Senzo Meyiwa’s murder mastermind,’ says Gerrie Nel
However, Baloyi said the assault allegations were being investigated by authorities, adding that Mncube’s medical report would be shared with his lawyer on Monday.
The trial was scheduled to start on April 11, but was postponed after Advocate Zandile Mshololo, who represents Ntuli, indicated that she was unable to proceed with the trial until she had sufficiently consulted with her client.