EMPD Officer Denies Witnessing Alleged Assault on Senzo Meyiwa Murder Accused
Jonathan’s Testimony:
In the ongoing trial surrounding the murder of Senzo Meyiwa, Wendell Jonathan, an officer from the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD), took the stand at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.
Jonathan, who had escorted Bongani Ntanzi, one of the accused, during his alleged confessions, denied any involvement in or witnessing an assault on the accused.
Escort and Confessions:
Jonathan was part of the team that accompanied Ntanzi to the Moroka Police Station on June 19, 2020, where he allegedly made his first confession.
He also transported Ntanzi to the Boksburg Police Station on June 24, 2020, where he reportedly made a second confession before Magistrate Vivienne Cronje, who also testified during the trial.
Electrocution Allegations:
Advocate Thulani Mngomezulu, the legal representative for the accused, alleged that Jonathan and other officers used a device to electrocute Ntanzi.
Mngomezulu claimed that the accused was electrocuted in the stomach and accused Jonathan, Mr. Mabena, and Buthelezi of taking turns with the device.
Ntanzi was supposedly taken to an industrial area in Germiston, where he was assaulted and coerced into signing documents.
Mngomezulu even mentioned that Ntanzi’s blood had spilled on the signed documents.
Refuting the Claims:
In response to these allegations, Jonathan refuted them, asserting that he did not observe any injuries on Ntanzi during their interaction.
He maintained that from the Magistrates Court to the Moot Police Station and throughout the escort, he did not witness any signs of assault or harm on Ntanzi.
The Ongoing Trial:
This case centers on the murder of Senzo Meyiwa, with five men on trial at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.
The accused, including Bongani Ntanzi, face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a license, and possession of ammunition.
The trial is ongoing, and the accused have pleaded not guilty. Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng presides over this fresh start to the trial.
This latest testimony from Wendell Jonathan brings an important perspective to the trial, particularly regarding the alleged assault and misconduct in the process of Ntanzi’s confessions.
The trial continues as the legal proceedings unfold.