Muzi Sibiya’s claim that he soiled his pants following an alleged police assault took centre stage at the Senzo Meyiwa trial, on Wednesday.
Senzo Meyiwa trial: Witness refutes Muzi Sibiya’s soil story
The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria is currently hosting a trial-within-a-trial as part of the Senzo Meyiwa murder case.
This phase is crucial to determine the admissibility of various statements, including confessions and pointing out statements, made by Bongani Ntanzi and Muzi Sibiya.
Sergeant Bathobakae Mogola, a state witness, took the stand to recount her role in the arrest of Sibiya on drug-related charges in Tembisa on 30 May 2020.
During the arrest, unlicensed ammunition was found in Sibiya’s shack, leading to immediate charges. Mogola testified that Sibiya was close to confessing to Meyiwa’s murder shortly after his arrest, but she interrupted to read him his rights.
Contradicting Mogola’s testimony, Sibiya claims he was physically assaulted by the police upon his arrest. This alleged brutality led to him soiling his pants, a detail that has become a focal point in the trial.
Advocate Thulani Mngomezulu, representing Sibiya, brought attention to the incident where Sibiya requested to change his trousers after his arrest.
According to Mogola, Sibiya wanted to change because his Brentwood pants were expensive and had become dirty during the arrest. The court also heard that Sibiya was allowed to change his footwear from flip-flop sandals to Carvella shoes.
However, Mngomezulu highlighted that Sibiya’s account differed, claiming he was forced to change because he had “messed himself up” following the assault in Lethabong.
Mogola refuted Sibiya’s version of events, asserting she was unaware of any assault and that the reason for visiting Sibiya’s house was to confirm his address.
She denied witnessing Sibiya soil his pants, directly challenging the accused’s claims.
The Senzo Meyiwa trial resumes on Thursday.