The trial of the five men accused of the murder of Senzo Meyiwa took an unexpected turn as police crime scene and forensics expert Thobeka Mhlahlo provided crucial evidence in the Pretoria High Court, on Tuesday.
Senzo Meyiwa murder trial and the mystery of the second projectile
Thobeka Mhlahlo, a seasoned forensics investigator, testified in the Pretoria High Court regarding her involvement in the Senzo Meyiwa murder case.
Mhlahlo’s role is pivotal in assessing crime scenes, gathering evidence, and documenting crucial details, the court heard during her first day of testimony.
Mhlahlo’s testimony included the revelation of a second bullet projectile found within the kitchen of Kelly Khumalo’s Vosloorus home, where the murder took place.
According to her account, she arrived at the crime scene the day after Senzo Meyiwa’s tragic killing. During her inspection, she identified two bullets within the kitchen area.
WHERE WERE THE TWO BULLET PROJECTILES DISCOVERED?
Mhlahlo’s account detailed the discovery of two bullets at the crime scene:
- On the Kitchen Floor: Mhlahlo reported finding a bullet on the kitchen floor, which could potentially hold vital clues to the sequence of events that unfolded during the fatal incident.
- Behind Glass Jars: Another bullet was located behind glass jars positioned on top of a cupboard within the kitchen. This unexpected location raises questions about the dynamics of the crime scene and the possible trajectories of the bullets.
THE ABSENCE OF BLOOD ON BOTH PROJECTILES RAISES QUESTIONS
Mhlahlo noted that neither of the discovered bullets showed any traces of blood upon her inspection. This observation could carry significant implications for the trial, as it could impact theories about the bullets’ trajectories and the events surrounding the murder.
To substantiate her testimony, Mhlahlo presented various images in court that she had captured from the crime scene. These visual aids provided the court with insights into the layout of the crime scene and the positioning of the bullets within the kitchen.
Mhlahlo’s involvement extended beyond the crime scene. She also testified about her visit to the mortuary, where she photographed Senzo Meyiwa following his postmortem. The court’s plans to present these photographs were met with a demand from the accused for coloured copies, which was subsequently arranged.
Mhlahlo’s intriguing testimony is expected to resume on Wednesday.
