A significant dispute regarding cellphone data has emerged in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial. The State informed the court that the movements of a cellphone allegedly linked to Mabungu Ntuli reflect a “completely different picture” than what Accused No. 3 has presented.
This pivotal moment occurred on Thursday, 20 August 2026, as prosecutors sought permission to cross-examine Accused No. 3 using cellphone movement data associated with Ntuli.
The State claims this data is essential because the account provided by Accused No. 3 positions Ntuli with him and others on 26 October 2014, the date of Meyiwa’s death.
According to this account, the group traveled together from Johannesburg, stopping at several locations before returning later that day. Ntuli is also purported to have taken some photographs that are being referenced regarding those movements.
However, prosecutors assert that the cellphone data suggests a potentially different narrative.
“A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT PICTURE”
In a notable submission during the morning proceedings, the State conveyed to the court:
“The cell phone data of Mr. Mabungu paints a completely different picture…”
Prosecutors indicated that this information would be utilized to dispute the claims made by Accused No. 3.
Furthermore, the State contended that the movement of Ntuli’s device on 26 October 2014 is “crucial” for evaluating the assertion that Ntuli and Accused No. 3 were together throughout the day.
DATA ACCESSED THIS WEEK
In another important development, it was revealed that prosecutors decided on 17 August 2026 to confirm Ntuli’s movements using cellphone tower data.
The State reported it accessed the data from Vodacom on that date and plans to utilize this information during the cross-examination of Accused No. 3.
This action has sparked a legal dispute over whether the prosecution should be allowed to incorporate this data at this juncture in the trial.
The defense has objected to the introduction of this evidence, while the State insists it is pertinent and should be allowed for cross-examination.
The court is now tasked with deciding if prosecutors can utilize the cellphone movement data as they seek to scrutinize the evidence presented.
The accused have pleaded not guilty and are considered innocent until proven guilty.
MDNtv is diligently tracking the ongoing developments in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial.
