The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial continues today at the Pretoria High Court, where the focus is expected to remain on an application brought by defence attorney Advocate Charles Mnisi.
What to expect from the Senzo Meyiwa trial today
He is representing Mthobisi Mncube, who is accused number three in the case. Mnisi has asked the court to allow a dental examination for his client, arguing that it is necessary to challenge new photographic evidence submitted by the prosecution.
The photographs in question allegedly show Mncube with a gold tooth, a detail that the state contends matches witness descriptions of one of the intruders present on the night Meyiwa was shot in Vosloorus in October 2014.
However, the defence is disputing the authenticity and significance of these images, stating that Mncube’s current dental condition does not support the claim that he ever had such a tooth.
Mnisi submitted that the state had long possessed the photos—police for nearly a decade, and prosecutors for five years—but had not declared their intention to use them until very recently.
He expressed concern that the defence had not been given fair notice and that the late introduction of this evidence disrupted the preparation of Mncube’s case.
He also referenced Section 35 of the South African Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair trial. According to Mnisi, being surprised with new evidence this late in the trial has placed his client at a disadvantage.
He said Mncube now has to respond to allegations as if the trial were only beginning, despite it having been in progress for over two years.
The request for a dental report, Mnisi added, is straightforward and mirrors a previous instance in the same trial, when accused number one, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, was examined by a medical professional.
In that case, Dr Hlokwe had testified that Sibiya never had a gold tooth. Mnisi argued that a similar examination for Mncube would allow for a fair comparison and help establish the credibility of the new photo evidence.
Advocate Sipho Ramosepele, who represents accused number two, Bongani Ntanzi, supported the application. He reiterated that all accused are entitled to a fair trial and that any evidence presented must be fully tested through proper legal procedures, including access to relevant expert examinations.
Today, the court is expected to decide whether to grant the dental examination.
This decision will influence how the defence continues its challenge of the photographic evidence linking Mncube to the crime scene.
Watch the Senzo Meyiwa trial live here
Proceedings will resume at the Pretoria High Court, and the live stream will be available to watch below:
LIVE STREAM LINK COMING SOON
