A new judge has been appointed to preside over the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial. Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng is taking over from Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela who was suspended by President Cyril Ramaphosa last week. 

BACK TO SQUARE ONE 

The Meyiwa family’s watching brief, AfriForum issued a statement explaining that the trial will have to start from scratch and witnesses who had already completed their testimonies will have to take the stand again. "It is unfortunate but we extend our best wishes to Judge Maumela and his family. This matter will have to start afresh, we hope that the prosecution will focus on relevant evidence to link the accused to the commission of the offence. The Defence seems to be in total denial and we hope the Prosecution will focus on identification of the perpetrators and other relevant circumstantial evidence linking the accused to the murder," read the statement. 

TRIAL RESUMPTION

The murder trial was postponed in June by Gauteng Deputy Judge President Aubrey Ledwaba after Maumela was not able to proceed due to ill health. Meyiwa was gunned down in 2014 at his baby mama Kelly Khumalo’s home in Vosloorus. The accused Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, and Sifisokuhle Nkani Ntuli are charged with premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence and possession of ammunition. All have pleaded not guilty.