The defense in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial is expected to call their first witness at the High Court in Pretoria tomorrow (Monday 13 October). Five men are on trial for the 2014 murder of the Bafana Bafana captain who was shot and killed while at singer Kelly Khumalo‘s mother’s house in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni.

During the last appearance in September, defense counsel Charles Mnisi who represents Muzi Sibiya and Mthobisi Mncube, accused one and three in the matter, cited that scattered locations have made it difficult to consult with key witnesses.

“My Lord, some witnesses, when you call and request to see them on a particular day, they say no, they are not available and ask to arrange another day.”

•WATCH | Almost a month after the state wrapped up its case, the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial has been postponed yet again. This comes after the defence indicated that it is still consulting with individuals it plans to call to the witness stand. pic.twitter.com/ZV566T5tiR

— SABC News (@SABCNews) September 22, 2025

Advocate Sipho Ramosepele- who represents accused two Bongani Ntanzi echoed the same sentiments.

“I have been all over, North West and Mpumalanga, consulting, and I still need to travel to more provinces to continue consultations with other witnesses. Mr Ntanzi furnished with their names to reach out and make contact to prepare them for his defense. So I’m not in a position to start with Ntanzi’s defence because consultations haven’t been finalised with his witnesses.”

After a failed discharge application, defence counsel Zithulele Nxumalo told the court his client accused four – Mthokoziseni Maphisa will be called to testify on the witness stand.

“Mr. Maphisa is going to take the stand; he is going to testify in his defence. However, there are a few witnesses that I need to consult with.”

While Advocate Zandile Mshololo for accused number five Fisokuhle Ntuli also said the availability of witnesses has been an issue.

“The witnesses I discovered are available on different dates because of work and health commitments. As a result, I still have to finalise this week with other witnesses. Also, they are not in one place; they are all scattered.”

Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng reminded the counsels that witnesses can be subpoenaed should the need arise.

“It’s normally not done, but this court will prepare to instruct Mr. Baloyi on behalf of the state to issue subpoenas to any or all of the witnesses whom you want to consult. The only provision would be that they must either be consulted in your chambers or in court, if you want me to read that order.”