The new judge in the Senzo Meyiwa trial, Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng is expected to make a decision tomorrow on whether the case starts afresh or not. Kelly Khumalo's sister, Zandie Khumalo is also expected to resume with her testimony tomorrow.  

NEW JUDGE APPOINTED 

Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng takes over from suspended Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela. This was after President Cyril Ramaphosa suspended Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela along with Judge Nomonde Mngqibisa-Thusi, for failing to deliver numerous reserved judgments in a reasonable time. The Judicial Service Commission had already recommended Maumela and Mngqibisa-Thusi be suspended and a Judicial Conduct Tribunal established to consider complaints against them.

JUDGE GOT SICK 

The trial was postponed in June after Judge Maumela had fallen ill. This happened at a time when Zandile Khumalo pointed out the second accused, Bongani Ntanzi, as one of the alleged intruders, the night Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper and captain Senzo Meyiwa was shot dead. Senzo was killed at Afro Pop singer and his baby mama's house, Kelly Khumalo in Vosloorus, east of Joburg on 26 October 2014.

REQUESTS MEDIA TO BE BARRED FROM BROADCASTING HER TESTIMONY

Before the songbird could take to the stand, she requested that the media be barred from broadcasting her testimony. State prosecutor Advocate George Baloyi said the witness is worried about her safety. "She has to perform in public from time to time and fears her life may be in danger," Baloyi said at the time. During her testimony, Zandie pointed out the second accused, Bongani Ntanzi, as one of the alleged intruders, the night Senzo was shot dead. At the North Gauteng High Court, Judge Mokgoatlheng will consult with Baloyi on whether Zandie continues to testify, or if the matter will start afresh. During the court recess, and when Mokgoatlheng was appointed as the new presiding officer, Zandie wrote a letter of complaint to President Cyril Ramaphosa. She complained about having to start afresh to testify and said they are still traumatised by the events that happened the night Senzo was shot dead. If the case starts from the beginning, it means all witnesses from police experts and Senzo's two friends, from Umlazi, Durban will also have to testify from the start. The five men accused of Senzo's murder are Bongani Ntanzi, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Mthobisi Ncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, and Fisokuhle Ntuli. The witness list includes former child star Longwe Twala, the son of music mogul Sello "Chicco" Twala, Kelly Khumalo, her sister Zandie, their mother Gladness Khumalo, Tumelo Madlala, Mthokozisi Twala, and Maggie Phiri.