Kgomotso Modise22 July 2024 | 11:15

Meyiwa murder trial: Defence challenges cellphone evidence led by the State

A forensic supervisor from Vodacom, Pinky Vythilingam, was back on the witness stand.

Meyiwa murder trial: Defence challenges cellphone evidence led by the State

Senzo Meyiwa trial. Picture: Kgomotso Modise/Eyewitness News

JOHANNESBURG - The defence in the Senzo Meyiwa trial has challenged cellphone evidence being led by the State by drawing a distinction between the device and an individual.

The trial returned to court on Monday after a four-month recess.

A forensic supervisor from Vodacom, Pinky Vythilingam, was back on the witness stand.  

It's already been highlighted by the State that the fact that a device has been placed at a certain location does not mean it was in the possession of its owner.  

READ: Analysis of cellphone records continues as Meyiwa trial back after recess

During his cross-examination of Vythilingam, the first accused's lawyer, Thulani Mngomezulu, reminded her of the fact that on the day Meyiwa was killed, Longwe Thwala, one of the people who were in the house, was using his father's cellphone. 

Mngomezulu said this point would benefit the accused, especially the second accused, Bongani Ntanzi, whose phone was making and receiving phone calls while he was in police custody.

Mngomezulu's cross-examination of Vythilingam continues.