Maumela to continue presiding over Meyiwa trial despite suspension: Judges Matter
Judicial watchdog group Judges Matter says Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela will continue to preside over the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial despite his suspension.
President Cyril Ramaphosa issued suspension letters to Maumela and Nomonde Mngqibisa-Thusi for failure to deliver several reserved judgments within a reasonable time.
Ramaphosa’s move followed a recommendation by the Judicial Service Commission.
“The suspension does not mean that he will not be hearing the cases that are pending before him unless there are exceptional circumstances that require that another judge be appointed in the Senzo Meyiwa case,” said Judges Matter spokesperson Zikhona Ndlebe.
“If that happens, the trial will have to start from scratch. If another judge is appointed in the Senzo Meyiwa case, the evidence will have to be led from scratch and evidence before Maumela cannot be considered.”
There have been several delays to the proceedings against the five men accused of gunning down the former Bafana Bafana captain.
The latest postponement was due to Maumela’s ill health and “not being available for a long time”.
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