Meyiwa trial to reconvene with hope of progress being made following transcription delays
On Monday, ballistics expert Lieutenant Colonel Chris Mangena returned to the witness stand for cross-examination but could not proceed after it was discovered that parts of the transcripts of his testimony were missing.
The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial continued in the Pretoria High Court on 1 August 2023. Picture: Nokukhanya Mntambo/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - The Senzo Meyiwa trial will reconvene on Tuesday morning with the hope of progress being made after missing court transcripts caused further delays.
On Monday, ballistics expert Lieutenant-Colonel Chris Mangena returned to the witness stand for cross-examination, a year since his first testimony.
He could not proceed after it was discovered that parts of the transcripts of his testimony were missing.
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Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng had to facilitate the transcription of records of Mangena’s testimony from August 2023 over the phone, scenes that one would not ordinarily see in a court of law.
"I thought I am a judge. Obviously, I am a secretary, a transcriber," remarked Judge Mokgoatlheng.
The judge ordered that the records be ready by 9 am on Tuesday morning.
The State’s advocate, George Baloyi, asked that the matter be postponed to Wednesday to afford the defence time to familiarise themselves with the outstanding records, but the judge insisted that proceedings continue on Tuesday morning.