Meyiwa murder trial: Judge gives defence more time to get its house in order
While the State's ballistic's expert, Christian Mangena, was ready in court for cross examination the defence said it could only meet with its expert on Friday and would be ready to proceed on Monday.
Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng presides over the re-start of the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial on 17 July 2023. Picture: Xanderleigh Dookey Makhaza/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - The presiding judge in the Senzo Meyiwa trial has given the defence more days to get its house in order and prepare to challenge ballistic evidence.
On Monday, Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng ordered that the state’s ballistics expert, Colonel Christian Mangena’s cross-examination continue, a year since he last took the stand.
Mangena drew direct links between one of the five men accused of the football star’s murder and the murder weapon.
While Mangena was ready in court for cross-examination, the defence said it could only meet with its expert on Friday and would be ready to proceed on Monday.
Mokgoatlheng asked: “So Monday are we going to start?", to which Advocate Charles Mnisi responded, “Yes my lord”.
Mokgoatlheng continued: “No stories Mnisi; unless there is a force majeur but from where we stand we don’t foresee any hindrance.”