Meyiwa murder trial marred by delays once again

The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial has been hit with yet another delay, this time over funding disputes surrounding a Section 174 application.

At the centre of the latest disruption is Legal Aid South Africa’s unwillingness to fully fund the month-long preparation requested by some of the defence lawyers.

The public defender argues that it cannot justify the additional cost, although it has not opposed the application itself in principle.

Advocate Charles Mnisi, representing accused number 1 and 3, told the court that a full month is essential for him to adequately prepare the application — which seeks to have charges dropped against the accused due to insufficient evidence from the state.

Although Mnisi has agreed to return to court in a week to avoid further scrutiny, he warned that the limited preparation time should not be used to discredit him.

“I submit with due respect that this trial should not be about me. I should not be made into the centrepiece. I’ve done my best to assist this court, but it’s unfair for the focus to shift from the accused to me,” said Mnisi.

Mnisi added that Legal Aid is welcome to consult with his clients and advise on the way forward.

A representative from Legal Aid SA’s Constitutional Committee explained the organisation’s stance.

“The question was put to the committee, whether we would fund four weeks of preparation for a Section 174 application. While the committee agreed not to stop the process, they were not amenable to funding the extended preparation time.”

Mnisi denied that his requests are financially motivated, saying his views are often misunderstood.

Advocate Sipho Ramosepele, representing accused number 2, Bongani Ntanzi, supported Mnisi’s stance, also calling for a full month to prepare the application and urging Legal Aid to reconsider, in the interest of justice.

Advocate Zithulele Nxumalo, representing accused number 4, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, has also indicated his intention to file a Section 174 discharge application.

Meanwhile, one of the five accused abandoned his own application to have the charges against him dropped.

The trial will resume on the 25th of August.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao