THE defence lawyers in the murder trial of slain Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa have accused the state of dishonesty in providing incomplete information relating to the cellphone records of the accused.
The trial resumed in the North Gauteng High Court on Thursday, 2 May following setbacks earlier in the week.
Advocate Zandile Mshololo, the lawyer for accused number five Fisokuhle Ntuli, said she received incomplete documents on Wednesday night, 1 May.
"This morning, I received another bundle of documents which I have been unable to read. I can also see an email was sent last night at 11pm which I was told not to sleep. Unfortunately, I couldn't read it overnight," she said.
She pleaded for more time to go through the evidence and called it an unfair trial.
"As a result, I would like to place it on record that this is a trial by ambush, my lord. Yesterday, I had no time to consult my clients with the documents the state is preparing or anticipating to use. However, the documents were not supplied, especially to me, affidavits which were marked by my learned friend Mr [George] Baloyi," she said.
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She further accused the state of furnishing her with incomplete documents and dishonesty. "There are pages that are missing. What is very bad is the state is dishonest. The state is not telling the truth. They need time to investigate to compile all the necessary records that are needed to be supplied to the defence,” she said.
Advocate Thulani Mngomezulu, the legal representative for accused number one, Muzi Sibiya, said there was suddenly evidence brought by the state.
"I will request the opinion on the court about the new evidence brought by the state," said Mngomezulu.
The remaining defence lawyers also echoed the same sentiments on needing more time before they could return to the court.
Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng granted a postponement to 13 May.
