PRETORIA — The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial in the North Gauteng High Court has been adjourned until Monday to allow the State time to provide a critical custody logbook for cross-examination.

The postponement followed testimony from Police Colonel Michael Mahlangu, the fifth witness called by the defence for accused Bongani Ntanzi. Mahlangu’s testimony focused directly on Ntanzi’s detention at the Pretoria North police station on 16 June 2020.

During proceedings, defence Advocate Ramosepele highlighted an occurrence book entry from 23:00 on the night in question. The log entry stated that cells were inspected by a Warrant Officer Masilela alongside a “Warrant Officer Mahlangu,” recording a total of 21 inmates in custody with no complaints.

Mahlangu flatly denied the accuracy of the official paperwork. He testified that he was never assigned to cell duties that day and did not conduct the inspection. According to Mahlangu, his name was captured in error, and the inspecting officer was actually accompanied by the relief commander.

Ntanzi is one of five men currently standing trial for the 2014 killing of the former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates soccer captain. Meyiwa was fatally shot during an alleged botched robbery at the Vosloorus home of singer Kelly Khumalo’s mother.

The high-profile trial will resume at the start of the week once the prosecution tables the physical station registers demanded by the defence.