Johannesburg - The ongoing Senzo Meyiwa trial took an intense turn as Tumelo Madlala returned to the witness stand for a second day, facing probing questions from the defense attorneys representing the accused. Madlala, a longtime friend of Meyiwa, was present during the tragic incident in 2014 when the footballer was fatally shot by intruders.
Madlala recounted the events of that fateful night, with defense lawyers meticulously examining his memory and account of the circumstances leading up to the murder.
A key aspect of the trial emerged from the testimony of a cellphone analyst, who had previously stated that no one in the house where Meyiwa was attacked had called for emergency assistance.
During his testimony, Madlala acknowledged that he had not used his phone to contact emergency services after seeking refuge in one of the bedrooms upon encountering the intruders. However, he provided a rationale for his actions.
Defense lawyer Sipho Ramosepele delved into Madlala's actions during the incident: "When you sought shelter in that room, did you also take your phone and discreetly place it under one of the blankets?"
Madlala concurred with the defense lawyer's assertion.
Defence lawyers in the #SenzoMeyiwaTrial will grill the footballer’s childhood friend Tumelo Madlala as proceedings continue. Sipho Ramosepele- for accused 1 and 2 - is the first up for cross-examination. @khanya_mntambo pic.twitter.com/1QRFzR03IT
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) August 8, 2023
When queried about not dialing the emergency hotline 10111, Madlala explained that he had never utilized the number before and added, "Furthermore, I was facing a difficult situation at the time. My thought process was not as clear then as it is now."
The trial is set to continue as further details unfold.
Source: Eyewitness News (EWN)
