Meyiwa trial: Lead investigator refuses to concede DNA evidence excluded the accused
Brigadier Bongani Gininda returned to the witness stand for cross-examination on Monday after a three-month break.
Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng presides over the re-start of the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial on 17 July 2023. Picture: Xanderleigh Dookey Makhaza/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - The lead investigating officer in the Senzo Meyiwa trial has refused to concede to the proposition that the DNA evidence presented in court completely excluded the accused.
Brigadier Bongani Gininda returned to the witness stand for cross-examination on Monday after a three-month break.
His testimony was halted after the lawyer for Muzi Sibiya, one of the five accused, died.
READ: Senzo Meyiwa trial returns to court
When forensic expert Captain Mmampshedi Masetla testified on the DNA examination in 2023, he said that while the DNA of the men could partially be found in some of the fields, they could not be conclusively placed on the scene.
The men were also excluded in that way from owning the hat found on the scene.
When Masetla completed his testimony, Advocate Mnisi said he had no questions for him, passing on the opportunity to cross-examine him.
But on Monday, Mnisi posed elaborate questions on the DNA to Gininda.
His testimony continues.