Outcry over Meyiwa trial delays

Some members of the public are accusing Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela of delaying justice for Senzo Meyiwa’s family.

They took to social media to vent out their frustration over the delays in the case after Deputy Judge President, Aubrey Ledwaba, informed the court that Judge Maumela who has been presiding over the murder trial is ill and will be away for a long time.

Maumela’s sick leave comes hot on the heels of a Judicial Service Commission’s (JSC) call for his suspension for allegedly failing to deliver reserved judgements for more than two years.

The Meyiwa matter is expected to resume next month with the possibility of a new judge taking over the matter.

The trial only got underway seven years after the Bafana Bafana captain was gunned down at his then girlfriend’s home in Vosloorus, in Ekurhuleni.

Progress in the matter has been marred by delays over various issues.

Below is what some members of the public say on this:

Very sad https://t.co/PtMdU1kUrj

— JUSTICE FOR SENZO MEYIWA! (@SiboneloNdlovu_) June 12, 2023

What’s happening with the Senzo Meyiwa case is so disheartening

Our Justice system Failed Senzo

— Urban Guluva (@Mr_Mkvtini) June 12, 2023

 

#SenzoMeyiwatrial Senzo Meyiwa Will Never get Justice

— SAMMY (@SAMMY50277422) June 12, 2023

The Justice Dep is not taking this Senzo Meyiwa trial seriously……..

— Dannyboy Madiro (@dennyboymadiro) June 12, 2023

 

Meyiwa’s emotional sister, Nomalanga, says the delays in the case have taken a toll on the family.

She says it seems that the justice system does not even consider the impact the delays have on affected families.

“It’s almost ten years now and we still don’t know what’s happening. If the case is being postponed, even the people who are called to come testify keep on saying they can’t remember certain things. Do they think when they keep postponing the case the witnesses will remember anything?”

Five men are currently standing trial for the murder of the Bafana Bafana captain.

The court has so far heard testimonies of five witnesses, including Meyiwa’s friends, Tumelo Madlala and Mthokozisi Twala.

Kelly Khumalo’s sister, Zandile, is the witness who is currently on the stand and whose testimony has been rocked by delays.

Khumalo has pointed out accused number two, Bongani Ntanzi, as one of the intruders who are alleged to have been behind Meyiwa’s killing.

In a dramatic twist in court, the singer made an emotional plea for the suspect to account for the damage he has “caused” her family.

Khumalo is expected to address the defense’s version that Meyiwa was gunned down while trying to separate a fight between herself and her then boyfriend, Longwe Twala, when the matter resumes.

Below is the recap of her testimony: