The defence and the state in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial at the High Court in Pretoria have clashed over evidence presented by defence witness Thabiso Buthelezi.
This is regarding the health condition of his late uncle, Simphiwe Buthelezi, at the time he allegedly made a police statement.
State prosecutor Ronnie Sibanda questioned Thabiso Buthelezi about the circumstances surrounding the statement, which was allegedly taken in June 2020.
The defence objected, arguing that the date had not been formally placed on record.
The statement has played a key role in the trial as it contains serious allegations against accused number two, Bongani Ntanzi and other accused in several murders, including the killing of Senzo Meyiwa.
The interaction was between Sibanda, State Prosecutor Charles Mnisi and Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng.
A heated exchange unfolded as the state and defence disagreed over whether evidence had been placed on record regarding Thabiso Buthelezi’s involvement in a particular conversation.
Defence advocate Sibanda questioned Buthelezi about whether he had been part of the conversation.
However, defence counsel Mnisi challenged the basis for the question, demanding that the specific evidence and the person who had placed it on record be identified.
State advocate maintained that the information formed part of the court’s evidence, prompting further disagreement over the source and basis of the claim.
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–Reporting by Lerato Makola