Senzo Meyiwa Murder Trial Faces Another Delay as Accused Sifisokuhle Ntuli’s Illness Takes Center Stage
The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial has been delayed again due to illness. Sifisokuhle Ntuli, one of the accused in the murder, has fallen ill, prompting Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng to order a medical evaluation. Ntuli’s health update will be presented in court on Wednesday.
Senzo Meyiwa Murder Accused’s Illness Prompts Immediate Medical Evaluation
Ntuli’s lawyer, Zandile Mshololo, informed the court on Tuesday about her client’s worsening health and requested an adjournment for him to receive medical care in prison. When asked if Ntuli would be available on Wednesday, Mshololo stated that it would depend on the medical recommendations.
An official from Leeuwkop prison, where Ntuli is held, explained that while the prison has a clinic with nursing staff, doctors are not always immediately available.
State Prosecutor Advocate George Baloyi discussed the relevant sections of the law regarding court proceedings in the absence of the accused. However, Judge Mokgoatlheng ordered Ntuli to see a doctor and postponed the matter for a day.
Judge Orders Medical Evaluation and Temporary Stand Down
The judge emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that Ntuli needs to be seen by a qualified doctor who can provide proper medical treatment. He requested the lawyers to draft an order for the head of the prison to ensure that a medical doctor attends to Ntuli.
“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. He is on 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.