Forensic witness leaves more questions than answers in Meyiwa trial

There are many things Sgt Thabo Mosia would do differently today at the scene of goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa’s murder in 2014. 

“I must go back, maybe assist other people to make them aware of some mistakes that we [as police officers] are making [at crime scenes],” he told reporters at the high court in Pretoria.

Wednesday had marked the last day of months of Mosia’s on-and-off testifying in the trial which has been marred by numerous disruptions. He was the first forensic witness to take the stand and admitted it had been a gruelling process which had left “his mind tired”.

He also faced criticism from the defence, which at times accused him of being evasive. 

The defence had earlier continued to poke holes in his testimony when he was asked why he had left the Meyiwa crime scene to attend to two other scenes where no injuries were reported.

Defending himself, Mosia told the court that he treated all his crimes scenes the same and did not prioritise one over the other.

Another issue raised during cross-examination by the defence was that Mosia failed to collect crucial evidence and therefore failed to conduct his duties properly.

They also scrutinised the manner in which the evidence was collected and stored, and suggested some of the evidence was planted or staged.

The purity of the crime scene was also questioned, with the defence putting it to Mosia that the crime scene was contaminated.

I believe in God and everything that I have said is true.

—  Sgt Thabo Mosia, SAPS 

Though he had previously told the court he did not think the crime scene was compromised, it was pointed out that he contradicted himself in his second statement.

“I would say the crime scene was not conducted properly in relation to the time I calculated and that brought some questions to my mind,” he said.

Mosia had told the court that four hours had lapsed before he got to the crime scene.

Mosia’s testimony was further questioned because an affidavit from the late general Philani Ndlovu, was admitted on Tuesday as hearsay evidence.

In the affidavit, Ndlovu denies being in charge of the crime scene or giving instructions to Mosia.

This contradicts Mosia’s testimony, who told the court that Ndlovu was in charge and had pointed out key points to him on the day of the incident.

Mosia stood by his testimony, stating that he was received by Ndlovu at the crime scene and said his proof was that Ndlovu had filled out his scene report.

After concluding his testimony, Mosia told reporters he believed he had told the truth.

He smiled in relief after the court told him he was excused.

“I believe in God and everything that I have said is true. I think the court is also strict. It can see if you are not talking the truth,” he said.

Five men stand accused of killing Meyiwa, who was the goalkeeper for Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana.

They are Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya‚ Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi‚ Mthobisi Prince Ncube‚ Mthokoziseni Ziphozonke Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli.

Meyiwa was shot dead at the home of his girlfriend, musician Kelly Khumalo, in Vosloorus in October 2014.

She and several other people who were present that day, including her mother, sister, sister’s boyfriend and a friend of Meyiwa’s claimed he had been shot in a robbery gone wrong.

The group said a dreadlocked man had entered the house and shot Meyiwa during a scuffle, while a second attacker was outside the house.

Meanwhile, the five have pleaded not guilty to murdering Meyiwa.

Instead, news of a second docket which reportedly implicated Khumalo and others who were in the house, surfaced while Mosia was in the dock. 

The case has been postponed to Thursday, when another witness is expected.