Senzo Meyiwa Murder Trial Delayed Once More Due to Accused’s Mysterious Illness
The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial has been once again halted, this time due to one of the accused falling ill.
Sifisokuhle Ntuli’s Illness Prompts Medical Evaluation
Sifisokuhle Ntuli, who is facing charges in connection with the murder of Meyiwa, has taken ill, leading Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng to order an immediate medical evaluation.
An update on Ntuli’s health is expected to be presented in court on Wednesday.
Ntuli’s lawyer, Zandile Mshololo, informed the court on Tuesday about her client’s deteriorating health, requesting an adjournment to allow him to receive medical care in prison.
When asked about Ntuli’s availability on Wednesday, Mshololo stated that it would depend on the recommendations of the medical professionals.
An official from Leeuwkop prison, where Ntuli is being held, informed the court that while the prison has nursing staff in its clinic, doctors are not always readily available.
State Prosecutor Advocate George Baloyi discussed the relevant legal provisions regarding the continuation of court proceedings in the absence of the accused.
Judge Orders Medical Evaluation and Stand Down
However, Judge Mokgoatlheng made an order for Ntuli to be examined by a doctor and postponed the proceedings for a day.
The judge emphasized the seriousness of the situation, expressing the need for Ntuli to receive appropriate medical attention from a qualified doctor.
Mokgoatlheng requested the lawyers to prepare an order to be given to the head of the Leeuwkop Correctional Facility, where Ntuli is being held, ensuring that a medical doctor attends to him.
“I don’t want this man to be given panado and castor oil. He needs to be seen by a proper doctor,” he said.
Ntuli is currently serving multiple life sentences for political assassinations in KwaZulu-Natal and is standing trial alongside Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, and Mthokoziseni Maphisa for the alleged murder of Senzo Meyiwa, the former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates footballer.
The trial is expected to resume on Wednesday.
