Defence to call new witness in Meyiwa murder trial

Goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa of South Africa’s Orlando Pirates is beaten by a goal made by Mohamed Aboutrika of Egypt’s Al Ahli during the first leg of their African Champions League final soccer match at Orlando Stadium in Soweto November 2, 2013.

The defence in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial is expected to call a new witness when it resumes in the High Court in Pretoria on Monday. Sifiso Zungu concluded his testimony last Thursday.

Five men are on trial for shooting and killing the former Bafana Bafana captain in October 2014.

Defence lawyer Advocate Charles Mnisi assured Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng that necessary arrangements had been made to ensure that the witness testified in court.

Judge: Are you assuring us that we shall have a witness? . Yeah, because, unless you’re saying that is your last witness, fine. Then if he doesn’t turn up fine, I can understand. But if it’s not your last witness, if he doesn’t turn up, do you have a substitute to witness for?

Mnisi: My Lord, if I were to state that in terms of percentages, 90 to 95%.

Judge: So, you have at least two witnesses remaining, at least.

Mnisi: Yes. So, if the other one doesn’t turn up, I will quickly arrange the other one.