The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial faces a setback following the death of defense lawyer Advocate Thulani Mngomezulu, who represented accused Muzi Sibiya. Mngomezulu’s family confirmed his passing yesterday after falling ill last month, leaving his client to seek new legal representation.

The High Court in Pretoria has granted Sibiya time to consult with his family about future legal representation. The Judge advised that the Legal Aid Board stands ready to take over proceedings, acknowledging Sibiya’s disclosed concerns about his family’s financial strain in paying for private counsel.

“The matter would be postponed for the new attorney to have all the information that he has missed – the cross-examination, everything that has happened for him to really prepare and best consult with his client,” said legal expert Nthabiseng Dubazana, highlighting the procedural implications.

Sibiya is one of five men standing trial for the 2014 murder of soccer star Senzo Meyiwa in Vosloorus, east of Johannesburg. The case has drawn significant public attention as Meyiwa was captain of both Orlando Pirates and South Africa’s national team at the time of his death.

Mngomezulu had been absent from court proceedings for several weeks before his death. Both state prosecutors and defense lawyers expressed their condolences following the announcement.

The trial’s continuation now hinges on Sibiya’s legal representation decision. If a new attorney is appointed, they will require time to review trial transcripts and previous testimony before proceedings can resume.

This development marks another delay in the long-running case, which has seen multiple setbacks since the 2014 shooting. The trial continues to be closely watched by South Africans, who have followed the investigation’s twists and turns for nearly a decade.