NPA relieved about Meyiwa trial within a trial ruling

JOHANNESBURG - The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said Thursday's ruling on the admissibility of confessions in the Senzo Meyiwa Murder Trial is a relief and a step towards justice.

The Pretoria High Court ruled that the confession statements signed by Muzi Sibiya and Bongani Ntanzi were taken freely and voluntarily making them admissible.

This means that their confessions will now form part of the evidence against the accused.

Five men are on trial for the murder of the soccer star over a decade ago.

NPA Spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana welcomed the ruling.

"The contents of the confession statements will now be brought before court via the witnesses that took down the statements and thereafter we will then proceed with the main trial. We have been busy with this trial within a trial for 5 months so to get to this ruling is a relief."