Tensions rise at Meyiwa trial

Authenticity of pictures on client's phone sparks row.

- Molefe Seeletsa

Tensions flared once more during the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial as a defence lawyer stood firm on a comment directed at a state witness.

Proceedings resumed yesterday at the High Court in Pretoria, with the cross-examination of Sergeant Moses Mabasa continuing.

Mabasa, a data analyst with the South African Police Service, has been testifying about images retrieved from the cellphone of accused number three, Mthobisi Mncube.

Mncube's lawyer, advocate Charles Mnisi, last week challenged the authenticity of the photographs found on his client's phone, questioning the dates.

Mnisi also referred to Mabasa as a "hired gun" for the state.