Senzo Meyiwa case postponed following Adv Mngomezulu’s death

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The death of one of the legal representative for the accused in a little over 10 years long murder case of Senzo Meyiwa has seen the matter being forced to adjourn much earlier than it was supposed.

Advocate Thulani Mngomezulu representing accused number 1, Sibiya passed away last night in the hospital according to his family.

Mngomezulu had been attending the proceedings of the case in absence for the past week or more due to his illness which he addressed in court.

The retired judge, Ratha Mokgoatlheng, presiding over the matter asked on Tuesday afternoon about Adv Mngomezulu’s whereabouts seeing that it was almost his time to cross-examine Brigadier Gininda who was at the time cross-examined by Adv Mshololo.

As the matter continued on Wednesday, he said unfortunately the matter can not continue until accused number 1 has decided on whether he wants to continue with the matter with new legal representation or if he would like to represent himself.

“I want you to make that decision on your own and I’ll give you time to decide. I don’t want to influence your decision in anyway, take your time.”

Accused replied that his uncle who was paying for the legal fees said that the fees are starting to be heavy on him and he is not sure if he can continue paying. Having said that, he said he would now like to acquire representation from Legal Aid South Africa.

Judge Mokgoatlheng asked if one of the legal representatives already in case for other accused would be willing to step in to avoid further postponements and prolonging of the matter should a new representative be introduced.

Adv Mnisi said he would rather get that instruction/confirmation from the Legal Aid itself. Judge Mokgoatlheng asked that they meet soon to here how they decided so the matter can continue but the case will be back in court on January 8th, 2025.