Meyiwa trial: State uses cellphone data to pin alleged killer

JOHANNESBURG - The State in the Senzo Meyiwa trial has used cellphone data to draw links between the alleged intruder behind the football star's murder and a lawyer whom he denies knowing.

Khulani Sambo, an officer from the Legal Practice Council, testified on the credentials of advocate Dominic Mjikayo.

According to the state, Ntanzi was legally represented by Mjiyako when he signed a confession statement about his alleged involvement in Meyiwa's murder.

But Ntanzi denies this and claims he never gave a mandate to Mjiyako.

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According to Bongani Ntanzi's version, which is on record, he never met a man named Domiic Mjiyako, and he was not legally represented when he appeared before magistrate Vivian Cronje to confess.

But on Monday, State Advocate George Baloyi dropped cellphone evidence drawing links between Mjikayo and Ntanzi.

"That number belongs to accused #2 and it's his number calling Mjiyako and the other way around, so there is communication between the two numbers that's the essence of this witness' testimony," said Baloyi.

Before proceedings ended, Judge Ratha Mokgatlheng asked Ntanzi's lawyer, Sipho Ramosepele, about client attorney privilege questioning whether Mjiyako could be called to testify.

Ramosepele said only if Ntanzi waived his rights.