After nearly three weeks of trial involving a group of alleged KwaZulu-Natal hitmen known as the Glebelands Eight, defence counsels continued this week to chip away at inconsistencies in testimony given by witnesses deemed 'crucial' to the state's case.
The focus by defence counsels on inconsistencies in testimonies in the Glebelands Eight trial in the Pietermaritzburg High Court was not unexpected, as two witnesses in particular appear to have been involved in the violent cabal they are testifying against.
The state contends the eight accused were part of a feared extortion racket at Umlazi's massive Glebelands Hostel complex, which included murder and attempted murder.
The first session of the trial ended on Thursday, with at least another six weeks set down upon resumption in March 2020.
In the meantime, former Durban Central detective Bhekukwazi Mdweshu, Khayelihle Mbuthuma, Vukani Mcobothi, Eugene Wonderboy Hlophe, Ncomekile Ntshangase, Mbuyiselwa Mkhize, Mondli Mthethwa and Bongani Mbhele will be kept at Durban's Westville prison.
Since cross-examination began on Wednesday, the latest state witness has had to face advocate Martin Krog, acting for Mdweshu and his cousin Ntshangase, then Legal Aid South Africa attorney Xolani Sindane, acting on behalf of Mbuthuma, Mcobothi, Mkhize, Mthethwa and Mbhele, and...
