Meyiwa trial: Defence must gear up case after failure to acquit an accused

JOHANNESBURG - The defence in the Senzo Meyiwa trial will now have to gear up to make its case following the failure to acquit one of the accused.

On Tuesday, the Pretoria High Court denied Mthokoziseni Maphisa’s discharge application, with Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng ruling that he has a case to answer to.

Maphisa had argued that the State had not led evidence that could lead to his conviction.

According to prosecutors, Maphisa was the lookout man who worked with his four co-accused to murder Meyiwa in October 2014.

Now that Maphisa’s bid for acquittal has failed in the Pretoria High Court, he must join his four co-accused in answering to the State’s case.

The defence will call its own witnesses in a quest to respond to evidence led by prosecutors.

Judge Mokgoatlheng heavily referenced evidence from State witnesses as he ruled that there is a case for Maphisa to answer to.

Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)’s Lumka Mahanjana said that they welcome the judgment.

“This court outcome is encouraging, as the State overcomes a second hurdle presented in this case. The State will continue to put forward a formidable case to ensure that justice is served for the Meyiwa family”

The matter has been postponed to 22 September 2025 for the defence to open its case.