Gun found in accused 3’s possession not linked to Meyiwa murder

The state has failed to prove a link between the firearm used to kill Senzo Meyiwa, and an illegal handgun found in accused no 3 Mthobisi Mncube’s possession when he was arrested for the footballer’s murder.

Police Sergeant Mandla Masondo revealed this in the high court in Pretoria on Monday.

The state witness detailed his more than 20 years experience to the court, dealing mostly with organised crime and taxi violence.

He’s understood to have taken part in an undercover sting operation, leading to Mncube’s arrest in 2015.

According to Masondo’s testimony, a search of the suspect’s residence in February 2015 uncovered a 9mm pistol, a small blue box and at least 16 rounds of ammunition.

Mncube, along with four other men, are currently standing trial for the Bafana Bafana captains murder in Vosloorus in October 2014.

The police sergeant has, however, acknowledged not having a warrant for the search.

Lawyer for accused no 3 Advocate Charles Mnisi has argued that without the proper documentation, the search was unlawful.

Asked whether or not investigations had linked the unlicensed firearm to Meyiwa’s killing, Masondo replied it had not.

Meanwhile, Masondo has described the suspect as injured and having had dreadlocks at the time of his arrest.

It’s a description which matches that of previous state witnesses, who’ve described one of the alleged intruders as having dreadlocks.

Defence in the matter continue to poke holes in assertions that Meyiwa was gunned down in a botched robbery.

The trial continues in the High Court tomorrow. Article by Naomi Kobbie