A minor clash occurred between prison warders and the accused during the Senzo Meyiwa trial, leading to a courtroom brawl.
Senzo Meyiwa trial: Suspects get into fight with prison wardens
PLEASE NOTE: The third-party content below is shared on our platform for journalistic purposes. Swisher Post, its parent company, partners and affiliates shall not be held liable for any consequence that arises from the journalistic duties performed in sharing this content.
During the tea break in the trial, tensions escalated between the prison warders and the accused. The conflict arose when the warders instructed the accused to sit properly, which was met with resistance as the accused wanted to stretch.
The judge was promptly informed of the scuffle. Legal representatives of the accused reported that their clients were reprimanded by a prison warder for their posture in court. They claimed that accused number 3, Mthobisi Mncube, was struck on the shoulder by the guard.
RELATED – Senzo Meyiwa trial: Defence flip flops on exact location of alleged assault
The involved prison guard was called to testify. He stated that accused number 4, Mthokoziseni Maphisa was sitting atop the bench, which prompted his intervention.
According to the guard, he was met with threats from three of the accused, who howled ‘sizokushaya’ (we will hit you). The guard maintained that he repeatedly told the accused not to sit atop the benches and was rebuffed with remarks undermining his role.
Despite the altercation, the trial proceeded. Sergeant Vusumuzi Mogane was set for cross-examination, following a previous adjournment to accommodate the testimony of a car tracker expert.
ALSO READ – Senzo Meyiwa trial: Judge comes to blows with Mshololo over Du Preez re-examination
One of the accused, Sibiya, was recently sentenced to 12 years in prison for attempted murder in a separate case. He was found guilty of shooting his girlfriend, who had threatened to expose his alleged involvement in Meyiwa’s death.
The trial was still in progress at the time of this report, with further developments expected as the case continues.