Simba Mhere trial: Forensic experts set to testify

Forensics experts who were due to testify on Wednesday in the culpable homicide trial of Preshalin Naidoo, the man accused of killing TV presenter Simba Mhere, will take the stand on Thursday.

The matter was postponed in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday after Naidoo appeared briefly. But the court heard the experts would only be in Johannesburg on Thursday. The culpable homicide accused has elected not to testify in court.

On Tuesday, the state closed its case after two experts from Car Track and King Price insurance gave details of Naidoo’s driving behaviour leading up to his VW Polo GTI crashing into Mhere’s car and another vehicle on William Nicol Drive in Fourways, Johannesburg.

READ MORE: Accused Preshalin Naidoo will not testify in Simba Mhere case

The credibility of these witnesses were questioned by defence advocate Francois Roets, who subsequently applied for a discharge on all counts in terms of Section 174 of the criminal procedure act.

Magistrate David Mahango rejected the application.

Mhere died on the scene in January 2015 along with his friend, Kady-Shay O’Bryan, while Mhere’s father‚ Joseph, who was also in the car, survived.

Naidoo’s defence is expected to expand on Roets’s argument that the state was not able to rule out a mechanical fault on the accused’s car and attempts to prove that the Car Track data suggesting Naidoo was above the speed limit moments before impact was inaccurate.

Naidoo faces two counts of culpable homicide and additional charges of negligent driving and inconsiderate driving.

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