Meyiwa trial: Key witness turned back with his evidence left unchallenged by defence

JOHANNESBURG - A key State witness in the Senzo Meyiwa trial has been turned back with his evidence left unchallenged by the defence.

Ballistics expert Colonel Christian Mangena was in the Pretoria High Court on Tuesday, after Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng ordered that his cross-examination continue.

It's been a year since Mangena gave evidence on the gun that was used to murder the Bafana Bafana captain in October 2014, but the defence is yet to cross-examine him.

When the defence asked for time to prepare to cross-examine Mangena a year ago – they cited the technical nature of his evidence, saying they needed their own ballistic expert to consult with.

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Over the last year – the State has repeatedly told the court that Mangena is ready to be called back onto the witness stand.

However, the defence first struggled to find an expert and then had challenges with consulting.

After Judge Mokgoatlheng ordered on Monday that Mangena’s cross-examination continue whether or not the defence was ready, Mangena came to court on Tuesday morning ready to face tough questions from the defence.

But the lawyer for the third accused - Advocate Charles Mnisi addressed Judge Mokgoatlheng on the readiness of their expert.

"He is insisting my lord that we need a day – a full day for him to take us through the report due to his technical nature," said Mnisi.

The matter has been postponed to Monday, where Mangena’s cross-examination is expected to finally get underway.