Court dismisses Maphisa’s attempt to withdraw murder charges in Senzo case

THE North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has dismissed an application by accused four, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, to withdraw multiple charges against him in the high-profile Senzo Meyiwa murder trial.

- SINENHLANHLA MASILELA

The ruling was handed on Monday after Maphisa argued that the state had failed to produce compelling evidence for his prosecution, which includes charges of murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of ammunition.

Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng, who presides over the case, clarified the legal framework surrounding such requests for discharge, stating that an accused person can only be discharged if conviction is impossible without their self-incrimination, as the law permits this entitlement.