Senzo Meyiwa Trial: Judge rules confessions are admissible
Presiding Judge Ratha Mokgatkheng has ruled that confessions made by two of the accused in the Senzo Meyiwa trial are admissible in court.
The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has ruled that the confessions allegedly made by accused 1 and 2 were made freely and voluntarily and will form part of evidence in the within the Senzo Meyiwa trial.
This was confirmed by Presiding Judge Ratha Mokgatkheng as he delivered his ruling on Thursday, 14 March.
RULING ON CONFESSIONS IN THE TRIAL WITHIN THE SENZO MEYIWA TRIAL
The trial within a trial started in October 2023 and looked into the admissibility of confessions allegedly made by accused 1 Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya and accused 2 Bongani Ntanzi.
On Thursday, Mokgoatlheng emphasised that the ruling on admissibility of confessions is interlocutory and may be reviewed later. It is not final.
Mokgoatlheng said the confessions were made freely and voluntarily. Both the accused were in their sound and sober senses.
The confessions will be admitted as evidence in the main trial.
[BREAKING NEWS] #SenzoMeyiwatrial: Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng has ruled that confessions By Muzi Sibiya and Bongani Ntanzi were made freely and will be admitted as evidence.
Tune into #Newzroom405 for more details. pic.twitter.com/7ZgS6F7M6n
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 14, 2024
Five men are on trial at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa, who was killed at the home of his girlfriend and singer Kelly Khumalo on 26 October 2014 in Vosloorus. The men are: Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli.
The five men face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence and possession of ammunition. All five men pleaded not guilty.