Senzo Meyiwa trial: Judge allows State to cross-examine key defence witness

The presiding judge in the Senzo Meyiwa trial made a ruling on Monday allowing the State to cross-examine a key defence witness on a statement he made implicating one of the accused.

The long-standing trial resumed on Monday with the defence continuing with its case. 

It has been almost 12 years since the Bafana Bafana captain was shot at the home of his girlfriend, singer Kelly Khumalo. Five men are being tried for the murder.

According to State witness Constable Sizwe Zungu, the accused had gathered at the Basotho hostel in the bedroom of a man referred to as "Gwabini" just before going to murder Meyiwa, and they rushed back into the room moments after.

Sifiso Gwabini Zungu is one of the defence’s key witnesses and he has distanced himself from the version given by Sizwe Zungu, who is also his relative, calling it "pure lies". 

Sifiso also denied the details in a statement that he signed in which he implicated one of the accused, Bongani Ntanzi.

The defence objected to Sifiso being cross-examined on the statement, but Judge Ratha Mokgoatleng handed down a ruling on Monday.

"The State is entitled to cross-examine the witness on the previous inconsistent statement," Mokgoatleng said.

Zungu’s testimony continues.