PRETORIA - A disputed statement at the heart of the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial is once again under scrutiny.
The state insists the man who allegedly hosted all the accused on the night the soccer star was killed made the statement freely and voluntarily, and says it must be tested in court, even through a trial within a trial if necessary.
But the defence says the document cannot be used at all, arguing Sifiso Gwabini Zungu was assaulted and tortured before being taken to an East Rand police station, where the statement was allegedly signed.
They maintain the state has failed to justify its admissibility.
Proceedings got off to a shaky start after Zungu didn't pitch for court.
But that didn't stop the court from hearing arguments on a 2020 statement that Zungu denies is his.
Last week, the defence objected to Zungu being cross-examined on the statement, insisting its lawfulness must be proven.
But the state argues Zungu’s own evidence supports its use.
But the defence isn't convinced.
The trial continues on Friday, with Zungu only fit to return on 8 December.
- eNCA's Manqoba Mchunu reports.