The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial may face further delays as the state plans to call Brigadier Bongani Gininda, the lead investigating officer, who is reportedly preparing for his LLB exams. This development comes after the state concluded its cross-examination of ballistics expert Malesela Ntini on Tuesday in the Pretoria High Court.
The state initially intended to present a tracker expert to update the court on the car driven by Longwe Twala on the day Meyiwa was killed, October 26, 2014. However, they were unable to secure the witness and informed the court that Brigadier Gininda would testify instead.
“Our efforts to secure that witness have failed. We now plan to call Brigadier Gininda tomorrow,” said state prosecutor advocate George Baloyi.
Defence attorney Thulani Mngomezulu, representing accused number one, stated that while the defence opposes calling the tracker expert, they have no objection to Gininda taking the witness stand. He also inquired about the state’s plans for other witnesses after Gininda’s testimony.
Baloyi revealed that Gininda, currently in his final year of law school, is preparing for exams and will only be available on certain days in October and November due to his academic commitments. “It has been difficult to consult with him as he is busy with assignments,” Baloyi added.
Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng asked the defence whether it is fair for Gininda to testify while managing his exam preparations. Mngomezulu expressed concerns about Gininda’s ability to concentrate fully on the trial while preparing for exams. Advocate Zithulele Nxumalo, representing accused number four, emphasized the need to hear directly from Gininda regarding his ability to balance both commitments.
The case has been postponed until Wednesday, when Gininda is expected to testify.
Meyiwa, a well-known South African soccer player, was shot and killed on October 26, 2014, at the Vosloorus home of his then-girlfriend, singer Kelly Khumalo. Several individuals, including Khumalo’s family members and two of Meyiwa’s friends, were present during the shooting.