Meyiwa accused apologise to legal representative

BONGANI Sandiso Ntanzi, one of the five men on trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa, yesterday asked for forgiveness from his former legal counsel for terminating his services in the middle of the trial.

Ntanzi spoke just as the trial was adjourned in the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria. He and first accused Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya had terminated the services of advocate TT Thobane and acquired the services of new counsel.

He said: “Mr Thobane should not be hurt … there are issues that emanated in court that we want to correct.”

Thobane has been the instructing attorney for Sibiya, Ntanzi, Mthobisi Mncube and Mthokoziseni Maphisa since the beginning of the trial, together with disbarred advocate Malesela Teffo. The fifth accused, Sifokuhle

Sifiso (Nkani) Ntuli, has been represented by advocate Zandile Mshololo.

It was anticipated that a new witness would take the stand yesterday following the conclusion of testimony by Meyiwa's childhood friend Tumelo Madlala last Friday. But the proceedings had to be halted as a result of the lastminute changes in the legal defence.

State advocate George Baloyi said the legal representatives in the matter were not appraised of the changes before the matter resumed. They were informed that advocate Sipho Ramosepele would be taking over for two of the accused, while Thobane would remain on record for Mncube and Maphisa, accused three and four.

Ramosepele said he was contacted by Sibiya's father on Thursday about taking over representation for his son. He told him he would still need to talk to the parents of Ntanzi first for him to represent both suspects as they had grown up together. Ramosepele said the father had only confirmed his appointment on Saturday.

Baloyi indicated that a postponement would be required for the new legal counsel to receive the trial transcripts to catch up with the case.

Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela was not pleased with the changes at the 11th hour, and criticised the new legal counsel for not notifying anyone in the matter of his appointment.

Thobane indicated that he understood completely and wasn't upset by the decision, but Ntanzi continued to urge his former legal counsel not to be cross or angry with them. “Each and every client has the right to change their mind. It might even be a blessing in disguise. He should not feel guilty.”

Thobane's colleague, Thando Hadebe, said that they did not have the reasons for the termination. The matter is back in court on May 5, 2023.