State in Meyiwa trial rejects claims of repetitive questioning

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 state in the Senzo Meyiwa trial has rejected claims that it is subjecting accused number two, Bongani Ntanzi, to repetitive questioning. This is after the defence argued the repetition of questions is a tactic aimed at exhausting Ntanzi.

Ntanzi began his testimony at the High Court in Pretoria in February and continues to face intense cross-examination from the state. He, along with four others, is on trial for the 2014 murder of the former Bafana Bafana captain.

The defence has raised concerns over the state’s line of questioning, accusing the state prosecutors of repeating themselves and dragging out proceedings.

Ntanzi’s legal counsel Sipho Ramosepele argues the prolonged cross-examination is aimed at wearing Ntanzi down.

“This question of where were you on 26 of October 2014? When it was asked at the boardroom, this question was proved by my learned colleague, Advocate Baloyi , to say, you have said, ‘I don’t remember if I was not at home, and at work’, and this particular question, I’m adamant, my Lord, with the greatest of humility and respect to a senior counsel like, Advocate Baloi, this process now is meant to tire Mr Ntanzi.”

But State Prosecutor George Baloyi has pushed back, insisting they are simply putting Ntanzi’s own version to him.

“We’re not going to rehearse our argument. We’re saying all that we’re doing, we’re quoting the version of the accused through his counsel. There’s nothing badgering about that.”

However, Ntanzi also told the court that he is not hearing the questions for the first time.

“My Lord, this version or questions, I have already answered to, it’s not the first time I’m answering to them today. It is not the first time he asks.”

Ntanzi is expected back on the stand when the trial continues Thursday morning.