One of the accused in Sindiso Magaqa murder may not be mentally fit to stand trial, court told
FILE: ANCYL secretary Sindiso Magaqa at a press conference at Luthuli House on 5 March 2012. Picture: Gallo Images/Sowetan/Antonio Muchave
PIETERMARITZBURG - The defence in the murder trial of slain former African National Congress (ANC) politician, Sindiso Magaqa, says accused number three in the matter, Mlungisi Ncalane, might not be in a good mental state to stand trial.
Defence lawyer, Advocate Shane Matthews, revealed to the court that the accused’s father flagged the condition on Monday.
The murder trial of the former ANC Youth League secretary-general is back in the Pietermaritzburg High Court since it was postponed last year.
The State has indicated that it is ready to proceed with leading more evidence.
Advocate Matthews told the court that Ncalane may not be fully aware of the trial proceedings.
Ncalane is one of part four men standing trial for allegedly killing ANC’s Magaqa.
Advocate Matthews further told the court that he would like to bring an application to request that the accused be sent for mental evaluation.
He added that the accused’s father would also take to the stand to testify on his son’s mental State.