Kgomotso Modise18 March 2024 | 15:15

Alleged gunman in Senzo Meyiwa murder requests to be moved from solitary confinement

Mthobisi Mncube, who is one of five accused, is being kept at the Leeuwkop Prison.

Alleged gunman in Senzo Meyiwa murder requests to be moved from solitary confinement

Senzo Meyiwa trial. Picture: Kgomotso Modise/Eyewitness News

JOHANNESBURG - The alleged gunman behind the murder of Senzo Meyiwa has requested to be moved from solitary confinement, saying the living conditions hamper his ability to prepare for his trial.

Mthobisi Mncube’s counsel, Advocate Charles Mnisi, addressed the court on his request.

READ: Meyiwa murder trial: Confession statement reveals Ntanzi feared his co-accused

Mncube, who is one of five accused, is being kept at the Leeuwkop Prison.

Advocate Mnisi read a letter penned by him.

"As I have been in C-Max prison in solitary confinement for almost three years and three months, I cannot defend my case or prepare a defence whilst being tortured and not at my full mental capacity."

But Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng said his hands were tied.

"I can’t do much about that because it is Correctional Services who decide on how to house visitors of the State – you can write a letter on his behalf to the Department of Correctional Services and bring that to their attention."

Mncube and four others are standing trial for the Bafana Bafana captain’s 2014 murder.