Witness found wanting in the Senzo Meyiwa trial

The defence in the Senzo Meyiwa trial challenged the testimony of a police photographer, questioning the authenticity of images captured during a inspection-in-loco.

The new witness testified at the Pretoria High Court in the murder trial of former Bafana Bafana captain, Senzo Meyiwa,

Sergeant Gezani Jeffrey Manganyi, a fingerprint expert and crime scene examiner, testified about the images he had taken earlier this month, during an inspection-in-loco held while court proceedings were in recess.

Manganyi was tasked with photographing the vicinity around the Ekurhuleni Municipal offices, including the EMPD precinct and nearby fire brigade quarter, locations where critical events allegedly unfolded following the arrest of first accused, Muzi Sibiya.

Among the images presented to the court, were those depicting Sibiya demonstrating how and where he claims he was assaulted by police shortly after his arrest.

In the photos, Sibiya is seen lying on the ground with his hands tied behind his back, allegedly reenacting how officers beat and suffocated him with a plastic bag. Sibiya has accused police of forcing him to confess to the 2014 murder of Meyiwa under duress, and has implicated lead investigator Brigadier Bongani Gininda for playing a role in the alleged assault.

Gininda, however, has denied the accusations and insists he was not present at the municipal offices on the day in question.

Defense advocate Charles Mnisi seized the opportunity to cross-examine Manganyi, questioning the integrity and timeline of the images.

“Sergeant, do you agree that all the images presented in court today were captured on the same day?” Mnisi asked pointedly.

Manganyi conceded they were not. He requested time to identify the photos by date, eventually revealing that some images had been taken a day later, without key individuals present.

“Some of the pictures were taken after the inspection, as instructed by prosecutor George Baloyi,” Manganyi explained. “I wanted to show the area clearly. The images look better when there are fewer people around,” he said.

Manganyi further claimed he did not recognize Brigadier Gininda, contradicting the court’s own recollection.

However, Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng said he recalled seeing Gininda at the inspection, casting further doubt on Manganyi’s account.

“I remember seeing Gininda. Did you not see him? He was wearing camouflage and a mask,” said the judge.

The trial, which resumed on Monday, after a brief hiatus, was marred by logistical challenges as several accused refused to appear in court without cushioned leg irons. Proceedings were briefly halted after some of the defendants complained of pain caused by the metal shackles.

One of the accused, Mthobisi Mncube, outright refused to take the dock without proper cushioning. The court heard that the padding had been removed by prison authorities following an escape incident at Baviaanspoort Prison earlier this month.

Advocate Mnisi, representing Mncube, argued his client was unable to concentrate due to discomfort, further delaying proceedings.

The trial continues on Wednesday.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao