Meyiwa trial: Defence's cross-examination of ballistic expert sends judge's mind 'tumbling'

JOHANNESBURG - The judge presiding over the Senzo Meyiwa trial has taken interest in the type of gun that was used to shoot the football star.

Ballistic evidence is back in the spotlight as Lieutenant-Colonel Chris Mangena is under cross-examination.

ALSO READ: Meyiwa murder trial: Ballistics expert Mangena's testimony at centre of proceedings

It was Mangena's testimony in 2023 that linked the gun found at the home of the third accused, Mthobisi Mncube, and the bullet found at the scene of Meyiwa's murder.

Five men are being tried for the 2014 murder.

It is the defence’s case that a .38 revolver, which has a cylinder, was used to murder Senzo Meyiwa and not a 9mm Parabellum as alleged by the State.

Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng ended proceedings on Tuesday by highlighting why that stood out for him.

"My mind is tumbling after hearing that a cylinder doesn’t eject but there were bullets found in that house."

Muzi Sibiya’s lawyer, Thulani Mngomezulu, has put it to Mangena that several eyewitnesses have testified that they saw a revolver and so it could not have been the gun linked to Mncube.

"For the mere fact that they saw a revolver when they entered does not automatically say this is the firearm that was used. The bullet recovered is a 9mm bullet, not a .38 Special bullet."

Mangena’s cross-examination continues on Wednesday morning.