Tempers Boil Over in Senzo Meyiwa Murder Trial as Defence Refuses to Back Down

‘Hired gun’ jibe and evidence tampering claims ignite courtroom drama as defence and state clash

The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial once again descended into heated confrontation on Monday, as tensions spiked between the prosecution and defence over accusations of evidence tampering and a provocative “hired gun” remark hurled at a state witness.

Proceedings resumed at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, where Sergeant Moses Mabasa, a data analyst with SAPS, continued his testimony. Mabasa has been presenting images retrieved from a cellphone allegedly belonging to accused number three, Mthobisi Mncube.

But it wasn’t the images that dominated the day, it was a verbal battle over courtroom conduct, fairness, and a term the state called “ethically dubious.”

‘Hired Gun’ Remark Sparks Outrage

Defence Advocate Charles Mnisi, representing Mncube, has openly accused Mabasa of being a “hired gun” for the state, suggesting bias and unethical conduct in his forensic work. The prosecution was quick to push back.

State Advocate Ronnie Sibanda demanded a formal retraction, arguing that “the witness should be treated with courtesy” and that such a term undermines the integrity of the court process.

But Mnisi held his ground.

“I don’t know whether ‘hired gun’ is pejorative or insulting,” he told the court.
“It appears in court documents. I see no reason to withdraw.”

Sibanda responded by reading the formal definition aloud , “an expert hired to do a specific and often ethically dubious job” ,to make his case that the term was not just inappropriate but also inflammatory.

Evidence Tampering Allegations Resurface

The courtroom standoff didn’t stop there. Mnisi doubled down on his earlier claims that photographic evidence on the cellphone had been manipulated, saying bluntly:

“It’s a fact.”

He challenged the legitimacy of the state’s visual exhibits and pushed back against the prosecution’s refusal to provide technical assistance.

In response, Sibanda suggested the defence bring their own devices to display images during cross-examination instead of relying on the state’s resources — a suggestion Mnisi argued was unreasonable.

‘Right to a Fair Trial’ Under Scrutiny

Mnisi cited Section 35(3) of the Constitution, asserting that his client, who is funded by Legal Aid, has the right to adequate tools to build a defence. He said the request for technical assistance had long been ignored.

“Accused persons must be provided with facilities in order to conduct their defence,” Mnisi stated.
“And in cases where they can’t afford it, the state must provide it.”

Sibanda hit back, saying the court’s in-house ICT technician works for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and can’t legally support the defence.

Mnisi shot down that logic, insisting that the technician’s role is operational, not prosecutorial.

“He is not on the same boat [as the state]. He is an operator of a gadget.”

Drama Spills Over to Other Defence Lawyers

As tensions climbed, Advocate Sipho Ramosepele, representing accused number two Bongani Ntanzi, chimed in with a scathing remark:

“I have never seen pettiness like this. I am baffled.”

He accused the prosecution of acting unprofessionally and unnecessarily complicating matters, adding to the mounting friction in the courtroom.

Sibanda, visibly frustrated, said the state was being unfairly attacked.

“Now I’m being called petty and emotional,” he retorted, pointing out that Mnisi had earlier refused state assistance.

Judge Stays Silent Amid Rising Friction

Presiding Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng, who has previously come under fire for reprimanding defence lawyers, chose to stay silent during the exchange — perhaps a calculated move to avoid more accusations of bias.

“I’m keeping quiet. I don’t want to be labelled,” the judge said pointedly.

A Courtroom on Edge

The trial, which has already dragged on for years amid controversy, conspiracy theories, and delays, continues to expose deep divides between the state and the defence.

What was once a search for justice in the high-profile 2014 murder of football star Senzo Meyiwa has, in moments like these, started to feel like a courtroom battlefield.

With five men standing trial and emotions running high, it’s clear that the road to the truth will be anything but smooth.

The trial continues.

{Source: The Citizen}

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