The problems with the Meyiwa trial

THE long-awaited commencement of the murder trial of the men who allegedly killed Senzo Meyiwa is increasingly indicating that justice may never be achieved in this case. One of the sticking points of this case is the so-called “mastermind” behind the murder.

This accusation has over the years been made by, among others, the accused and some members of Meyiwa’s family. But this “mastermind” is fast becoming an urban legend. For why do those who know who this person is – especially the members of Senzo’s family – not just name this person if their information is authentic?

Muddling the issue further is the dramatic recent arrest of advocate Malesela Teffo, representing four of the five accused. The police have been criticised from many fronts that the arrest was high handed and unnecessary. The general view is that he should have been informed to present himself in court.

But what are the facts? Teffo has twice failed to appear in court in a separate criminal matter where he is the accused.

And it is trite that no matter who you are, if you are ordered to appear in court and you do not, you commit a crime and wherever you are found you must be treated as a fugitive from justice and be immediately arrested.

More serious is that Teffo has made the serious but unsubstantiated allegation that Police Minister Bheki Cele wants to get rid of him from the case. But for a lawyer to make such a serious accusation with no shred of evidence is very disturbing. He is still to provide the public with such evidence for its veracity to be tested.

It appears Teffo is casting aspersions on the police whom, reading between the lines, he is not on good terms with because he was previously one and he as an advocate who has won a labour case against them.

But drawing a link between his untoward behaviour of failing not once, but twice, to appear where he is criminally charged and the Meyiwa trial is just not on. Some judicial bodies have come out blazing in support of his position, which is telling about their professionalism.

Until Teffo provides incontrovertible evidence of this accusation against Cele we must treat the information as gossip.

DR THABISI HOEANE |