Accused 1 in Meyiwa trial does about-turn on statement signature – SABC News
Accused number one in the Senzo Meyiwa trial Muzi Sibiya had previously confirmed his signature on the confession statement but has now done an about turn.
Sibiya now says the signatures are not visible enough to be confirmed as his.
He is under cross-examination at the High Court in Pretoria where he is appearing alongside four other accused.
They have been accused of the 2014 murder of the Bafana Bafana soccer captain.
State Prosecutor George Baloyi is going through the alleged confession statement which is said to have Sibiya’s signature and thumbprint.
“I said, yes, I signed, and I did put my right thumb print, yes, but I’m saying to you now, this signature on this thumb print, it’s not visible enough for me to say I identify it as mine. I did say that (Colonel Nhlanganyelwa) Mbotho told me to sign on the documents that they brought me. I cannot at this point say that this is my signature and identify it as mine because it’s not visible.”
DELAYS
Meanwhile, the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa) has expressed outrage over the prolonged delays in the trial.
Sunday was the 11th anniversary of Meyiwa’s murder.
Contralesa believes the delays are causing immense pain and suffering for the Meyiwa family, who are still awaiting justice.
It has urged the court to expedite the trial and called on the legal representatives, court officials and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to assist the presiding Judge in finalising the trial.
The congress also condemned attempts to turn the trial into a platform for self-promotion, emphasising the need for a swift conclusion in the best interest of justice and the Meyiwa family. Additional reporting by Nonhlanhla Ntshingila.