New lawyer added to defence in Senzo Meyiwa murder trial

The defence in the Senzo Meyiwa Murder trial has introduced a new member to counsel, as things heat up in the trial-within-a-trial.

Advocate Thulani Mngomezulu is expected to assist attorney for accused number one and two, Sipho Ramosepele.

The lawyers have the task of proving that Muzi Sibiya and Bongani Ntanzi were assaulted and forced to provide false confessions to the footballer’s murder.

Advocate Thulani Mngomezulu, has joined the defence team of accused 1 and 2, Muzi Sibiya and Bongani Ntanzi, in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial https://t.co/qZhRlwl3e5

— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 16, 2023

Proceedings in the matter were delayed by at least an hour following jam packed traffic in the Pretoria CBD.

Several streets were closed off as many were making their way to the court, where the battle for the Zulu kingship resumed.

#AmaZulu Outside North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria. Members of AmaZulu royal family supporting King MisuZulu KaZwelithini. His brother Prince Simakade is challenging President @CyrilRamaphosa's decision to recognise the King. #eNCA pic.twitter.com/XNazqPTS8u

— Siphamandla Goge (@SiphamandlaGoge) October 16, 2023

The matter was postponed to Tuesday to allow Mgomezulu enough time to consult with the accused men.

Sibiya and Ntanzi maintain that their so-called confessions were obtained following intimidation from police.

On Friday, the court heard how Sibiya was allegedly beaten and suffocated at a remote location in police’s attempts to squeeze the confession out of him.

#YNews: The Pretoria High Court has heard how Muzi Sibiya was allegedly brutalised and suffocated by police in their attempts to squeeze a confession for #SenzoMeyiwa’s murder.

The court is working to determine the admissibility of confessions by two of the accused taken by… pic.twitter.com/JlwBo599NA

— Y (@Yfm) October 13, 2023

Sergeant Nakedi Monareng and Colonel Moses Mbotho were the officials tasked with apprehending Sibiya in Tembisa in 2020.

They’ve denied assaulting the accused, saying he was positive and in good spirits at the time of his arrest.

The trial continues.