The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the Pretoria High Court’s dismissal of an application brought by accused number four, Mthokozisi Maphisa, in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial.
The application, made in terms of Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act, sought to have the court find that there was no case to answer.
Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng ruled that there is prima facie evidence for Maphisa to respond to. He, along with four co-accused, faces charges of murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition in connection with the 2014 killing of the former Bafana Bafana captain.
According to the NPA, the state relied on the testimony of Constable Zungu, who was with the five accused on the day of the incident. Ballistic evidence and testimony from other witnesses were also presented to support the state’s case.
The prosecuting authority stated that it will continue to pursue justice for Meyiwa’s family, adding that the judgment marks an important step forward in the proceedings.
Following the dismissal of the application, the case was postponed to 22 September to allow the defence to prepare its response.
