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Court Lets State Grill Defence Witness as Meyiwa Trial Probes Alleged Police Assault

The judge authorized cross-examination on a disputed statement despite defence claims of police coercion.

Overview

  • The Pretoria High Court ruled the State may question Sifiso “Gwabini” Zungu about a prior statement that implicates accused Bongani Ntanzi, with the examination set to continue on Tuesday.
  • Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng described Zungu’s assault allegations as serious and indicated police present during his questioning could be called to testify.
  • Zungu has distanced himself from the statement, asserting it was obtained through assault and intimidation by police who forced him to sign.
  • Prosecutor George Baloyi highlighted inconsistencies in Zungu’s testimony, including conflicting accounts about money paid for his release and whether he entered court holding cells.
  • The trial concerns the 2014 killing of Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa, with five men on trial and proceedings resuming as the defence presents its case.