By Our Reporter
CAPE TOWN (CONVERSEER) – Court proceedings in the high‑profile Senzo Meyiwa murder trial were briefly halted on Tuesday after the South African Police Service (SAPS) intervened following intelligence that a group present in the courtroom intended to target judges, prosecutors and other key figures involved in the case.
Three men, who had been seated in the public gallery, were escorted out by police during proceedings as a precaution.
Investigators subsequently opened a case of conspiracy to commit murder and seized electronic devices belonging to those removed for forensic analysis.
SAPS National Spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the decision to increase security stemmed from what authorities described as “solid intelligence” suggesting individuals present were “looking for an opportunity to eliminate key role players on the side of the state”.
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The court, presided over by Ratha Mokgoatlheng, adjourned the trial to allow defence and prosecution counsel to consult on the unfolding security developments.
The trial concerns the 2014 killing of Senzo Meyiwa, the former football star, and involves five accused men who face charges including murder, attempted murder, robbery and possession of unlicensed firearms.
With the conspiracy‑to‑murder investigation now underway and security stepped up, the spotlight returns to the courtroom, where the safety of judicial and state actors has become a critical concern.
