Meyiwa Murder Trial: Court to Hear Bid to Drop Charges

The High Court in Pretoria is on Monday expected to hear an application from one of the accused in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial seeking to have the charges against him withdrawn.

Mthokoziseni Maphisa, alongside four co-accused, is standing trial for the 2014 killing of the former Bafana Bafana captain. While the other four accused have abandoned plans to pursue similar applications, Maphisa has opted to proceed.

Earlier this month, the court was told that Legal Aid South Africa would not fund a lengthy postponement to allow defence teams to prepare detailed discharge applications. Advocate Charles Mnisi, representing accused number one Muzi Sibiya and accused number three Mthobisi Mncube, argued that he needed four weeks for proper preparation, but noted that doing so without reimbursement would be challenging.

Meanwhile, Advocate Sipho Ramosepele, acting for accused number two Bangani Ntanzi, said his client had been advised that the prospects of success in such an application were weak.

As a result, Maphisa will be the only accused pursuing the discharge bid. Arguments are expected to be heard in court on Monday morning.