Judge Tshifiwa Maumela has ruled that the state witness's audio testimony on what transpired at Kelly Khumalo's home in Vosloorus in October 2014, when the late soccer star Senzo Meyiwa was murdered, be broadcast live. Judge Maumela who is presiding over Senzo's murder trial made his ruling today but said the media was not allowed to broadcast the witness's images. The popular singer brought forward an application barring the media from broadcasting her testimony live on TV. On Monday Zimoja reported that Zandi, Kelly Khumalo's sister, would take the witness stand.
THE JUDGEMENT
Reading out his judgment, Judge Maumela said the court has to take the public interest into account in the case. "When all is said and done the court has to ensure that the interest of justice is taken into account. The court has to maintain a balance between the observance of freedom of the press and the rights of an individual or even an accused person.,' he said, adding that to this day, he does not know what threat the witness faces. "Live broadcast of the image of the witness will not be permitted. Members of electronic media are permitted to live broadcast the testimony of the witness by means of audio. The prohibition of images of the witness- while she testifies shall remain in place until the finalisation of this trial,' he said.
OBJECTING TO LIVE BROADCAST OF HER TESTIMONY
State Prosecutor advocate George Baloyi brought an application before the court after consulting with the popular singer on Sunday. He told the court that the witness is not objecting to the presence of the media inside the court and reporting like in other cases. " She doesn't want to be photographed while on the witness stand. She is a public figure. Her face is in the public domain. She requests not to be photographed and no live recording of her evidence while on the witness stand. If she has to testify in an open court where there is a live broadcast of her evidence, she might reconsider if she is prepared to give evidence," Baloyi told the court.
SHOWSTOPPER
Meanwhile, disbarred Advocate Malesela Teffo interrupted court proceedings demanding to address Judge Maumela, who showed no interest in hearing him. Teffo claimed that he comes as a watching brief for the Meyiwa family and was given instructions by the brother of the deceased Sifiso Meyiwa and Orlando Football Club. Teffo told the court that Meyiwa's brother had a huge interest in hearing what the witness that is yet to take the stand will say. Judge Maumela told Teffo that he was disturbing the court. "You are disturbing the court, please sit down or I will order that you be taken out. You are disturbing us, " Maumela said. " Mr Teffo, Mr Teffo, sit down and allow advocate (George) Baloyi to continue with what is of interest in this case, which is what I want to hear. There is a ruling for me to make and time is of essence. This is an interruption and it is rude if you ask me. It is a rude interruption which is unnecessary for our purposes. You are not the only one watching brief that was spoken about in this case. There has never been a watching brief here who has interrupted proceedings. Watching briefs do not address the court, " said a visibly annoyed Judge Maumela. Teffo tried to pull the same stunt today but Judge Maumela did not give him a chance. He was thrown out of court. Five men, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Mthobisi Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, and Sifokuhle Ntuli, are facing charges of murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of an unlicensed firearm as well as possession of ammunition. This relates to the murder of Senzo at his baby mama's home in Vosloorus in 2014. The star player was linked to Kelly Khumalo at the time of his death.
