After a six months adjournment, the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial resumed at the Pretoria High Court today. The trial continues, with Judge Tshifiwa Maumela presiding over it, even after the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) requested that Judge Maumela be suspended over delayed judgment. 

WITNESSES TO BE RECALLED 

The newly appointed defence lawyers for the accused plan to call back some witnesses for the purposes of clarity. Advocate Sipho Ramosepele, representing Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya and Bongani Ntanzi, asked for Senzo's friend Tumelo Madlala to become back to the stand. Madlala who is a state witness in the trial, concluded his testimony last year November. He was one of the people who were present in the house where Senzo was killed in October 2014.The state said they would arrange for Madlala to return to court but said it won't happen immediately. Colonel Mohlahlo, who took pictures of the crime scene, will also be called to testify. Advocate Charles Mnisi, for Mthobisi Mncube, said he wanted to question sergeants Thabo Mosia, a forensic officer who collected evidence from the crime scene and investigating officer seargant Patrick Mlungisi Mthethwa to clarify certain issues.

 DISRUPTIONS  

Meanwhile a disbarred advocate Malesela Teffo, who represented four of the five accused in the matter, disrupted court proceedings. Teffo withdrew from the matter in July last year, and this was followed by him being struck off the roll of advocates for his misconduct. Teffo, who dawned his legal robe, demanded to address Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela in the chambers. "We need to go into the chambers of the judge before this matter can commence, "said Teffo. Teffo told defence lawyers that he had matters of importance to discuss with the judge. He was granted access to the Judge's chambers and after the discussion he went back with an unknown woman he claimed to be his instructing attorney. 

 
NOT GUILTY 

Meyiwa was gunned down in 2014 at his then girlfriend, 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. They have all pleaded not guilty.