Reeston torching trial delayed by load-shedding

The trial of the 16 Reeston residents accused of torching Buffalo City Metro ANC councillor Nokulunga Matiwane’s home in August 2017continued in dramatic fashion on Monday.

Following a two-week adjournment, the high court sitting in East London started almost an hour behind schedule as a prison truck carrying two of the accused, who are remanded in custody, could not gain access to the court due to load-shedding related system failures.

Once the trial resumed, it had to be halted for another two hours as the entire court was left in the dark due to another power outage.

Defence advocates Ncumisa Dyantyi and Sivuyile Mhlaba cross-examined the third state witness, Andiswa Jozana, who gave her testimony before the court adjourned two weeks ago. She is employed as Matiwane’s personal assistant.

Siziwe Daniso, Vuyokazi Mapikata, Nomfuneko Mjingane, Phelisa Shotana, Nosicelo Wewe, Nomvuyo Qawe, Zwelixolile Nkohla, Pheliswa Vakele, Khanyisa Vumani, Makaziwe Bonte, Sakhumzi Koshe, Sinethemba Deyzana, Lusanda Deyzana, Makhi Sam, Bonke Ludidi and Lubabalo Mpitimpiti have all pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, arson, malicious injury to property and public violence.

Jozana said one of the accused poured petrol on her face while she was trying to escape Matiwane’s home.

Last week, the Dispatch reported BCM ratepayers would pay almost R1m to compensate Matiwane for the loss of her home despite the metro’s insurer rejecting Matiwane’s claim, saying she had failed to submit the necessary documents.

The trial continues Tuesday.

Jozana said one of the accused poured petrol on her face while she was trying to escape Matiwane’s home