The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial continues today, Tuesday, 10 June 2025, in the Pretoria High Court, with developments expected around the State’s submission of new photographic evidence and a request to recall a previous police witness.
What to expect from the Senzo Meyiwa trial today
These proceedings follow Monday’s emotionally charged session, which began with an apology from presiding Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng for controversial remarks made last week.
Judge Mokgoatlheng opened Monday’s session by issuing a formal apology in response to widespread backlash over racially sensitive comments. The judge acknowledged that his conduct on 6 June 2025 was inappropriate, confirming he had been reprimanded by senior judicial leadership. He expressed personal regret and apologised to the public, legal professionals, and the families involved in the case.
As proceedings resumed, Advocate Sipho Ramosepele appeared on behalf of Advocate Charles Mnisi, who was absent due to his participation in the Comrades Marathon. The court then focused on the State’s latest application, brought by prosecutor Advocate George Baloyi, which seeks to introduce 19 additional images into evidence.
These images include two photos of accused one, Muzi Sibiya, 16 photos of accused two, Bongani Ntanzi, and one of accused three. Baloyi stated that the photos are intended to clarify the general appearance of the accused individuals, particularly as identification has been a central issue during the trial.
Baloyi argued that the inclusion of these photos would not prejudice the defence and that they were relevant in establishing facts around identification. He further submitted that the images had been downloaded and burned onto a CD by Sergeant Mabasa, a police officer previously involved in the case, whom the State also wishes to recall to the witness stand.
The State maintains that Mabasa’s recall is necessary to confirm how the images were obtained and to complete the evidentiary picture. Baloyi cited the court’s duty to search for the truth and the principle of fairness as grounds for allowing this late evidence.
In response, the defence requested additional time to review the 19 new images and reconcile them with existing case material. Considering Advocate Ramosepele was standing in temporarily for Mnisi, the court granted an adjournment, and proceedings were postponed until today.
Today’s session is expected to include arguments from the defence on the admissibility of the new photos and whether Sergeant Mabasa should be brought back to the witness box. The trial continues to focus on key procedural and evidentiary matters as both sides aim to strengthen their positions in the high-profile case.
Watch the Senzo Meyiwa trial live here
Coverage of today’s proceedings will be streamed live from the Pretoria High Court and you can tune in below: