Macia's injuries questioned

State witness, forensic pathologist Dr Solly Skosana on Thursday introduced a fourth scenario on how Macia sustained his injuries when he was recalled to testify in the murder trial.

The Defense had put it to Skosana that, during Macia's arrest, a lot of force was exerted and it was possible that Macia's body may have twisted while being dragged. 

This came after Judge Bert Bam stated he had more questions regarding Macia's anterior injuries, like the laceration on his big toe, following the inspection of a police van similar to the one Macia was handcuffed to.

Macia was tied and dragged behind a police van through the streets of Daveyton in the East Rand in 2013, before succumbing to his injuries while detained in a police holding cell.

Skosana reiterated that an altercation Macia had with police officers, which was captured on video, did not explain how Macia could have sustained such extensive injuries with the scenarios given by the Defense.

Apart from the fact that his injuries can't be looked at in isolation, Skosana stated that the court needed to consider that the injuries on top of his foot and on his shins can be explained by one being kicked.

Earlier, Skosana told the court that it can't be argued that there was an altercation in the cell. 

The trial continues.

Photo by Silindelo Masikane
Edited by Suné du Toit