Senzo Meyiwa Trial’s Latest Delay: SA Frustrated As Accused Refuse to Wear Uncushioned Leg Irons
- The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial was delayed by a complaint from two of the accused about their leg shackles
- The murder trial has been ongoing since April 2022, but has been delayed by numerous delays over the years
- South Africans are annoyed with the latest delay and took to social media to express their frustrations
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – South Africans are growing more frustrated as the Senzo Meyiwa trial continues to drag on.
After a three-week recess, proceedings resumed in the Pretoria High Court on Monday, 20 July, but very little was achieved. The entire court day was lost after two of the men had a complaint about the leg irons they were forced to wear.
Why were the accused unhappy?
Two of the men refused to continue with proceedings as they were unhappy with the leg irons they had to wear. They complained that they were in pain as the irons had no cushioning and were rubbing against their ankles.
PAY ATTENTION: Briefly News is now on YouTube! Check out our interviews on Briefly TV Life now!
The Department of Correctional Services recently removed cushioning from the leg irons following an escape at the Baviaanspoort facility in July.
"Mr Mncube says he is feeling pains which affect his ability to concentrate in this trial. I am also unable to get instructions from him because of this inhumanity that he is being subjected to," Advocate Charles Mnisi said.
The defence advocate was speaking on behalf of number three accused, Mthobisi Mncube, who refused to come to court without cushioned leg irons.
How was the matter resolved?
Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng originally planned to escalate the matter to the judicial inspectorate for the Department of Correctional Services.
The State then asked for an adjournment to consult with prison bosses. After a two-hour adjournment, the Department of Correctional Services agreed to allow them to wear cushioned leg irons. When proceedings resumed, there was an hour to go in the day, leading to the judge deciding to postpone matters until Tuesday, 22 July 2025.
Source: Getty Images
What you need to know about the Senzo Meyiwa trial
- One of the men accused of killing former Orlando Pirates star Meyiwa admitted that he was in contact with Kelly Khumalo.
- A defence lawyer said that two of the accused's confessions of murder were made under duress.
- Kelly Khumalo was linked with the murder of Meyiwa once more, leaving many to ask why she wasn't arrested.
- Tensions were rising between Judge Mokgoatlheng and Advocate Mnisi during proceedings in the murder trial.
- The matter was hit by a further postponement as a defence lawyer wasn't ready to proceed after a two-month delay.
- Confusion reigned in court after defence lawyer Charles Mnisi asked for leave of absence as he was running the Comrades Marathon.
How did South Africans react?
South Africans were annoyed by the latest development, with many expressing frustration at the constant delays.
Sva Nkovu stated:
“Even when the truth is out, the circus continues.”
Sihange Anele said:
“The South African judicial system is an absolute circus. Over 10 years, and the same case has been ongoing with no verdict in sight. The High Court judge was correct. Black leadership have truly ruined the country and its institutions.”
Octavius Masooa added:
“That courtroom has been a circus from the beginning.”
Christopher Reynolds asked:
“How can solving this problem take an entire court day? Put some bandages around his ankles, carry on with proceedings. 30 minutes at most and it's done.”
Madi-Tau Boritje stated:
“What a judicial tragedy.”
Motlanthe MaBeu suggested:
“Just dissolve this case. Stop wasting our time.”
Nicholas Fungurani asked:
“It's 11 years and no conviction. What are the courts doing?”
Trial proceedings delayed by arguments over gold tooth
Briefly News reported that the proceedings in the trial were delayed by a debate about selfies and gold teeth.
The State argued that new photo evidence proved that one of the accused had a gold tooth at the time of the murders.
Advocate Charles Mnisi stated that the photo was of the accused’s brother and not him, as the State claimed.
PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU - click on “Recommended for you” and enjoy!
Source: Briefly News
