LIMPOPO – The trial of the Radzuma brothers, Simon, Percy and Ndivhuwo, resumed on February 17 in the Waterval Magistrate’s Court in Thohoyandou. The siblings face multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, and hijacking.

Judge Thogomelani Tshidada expressed concerns over the trial’s progress, noting that the defence’s insistence on calling all 150 state witnesses, many of whom have provided unchallenged testimonies, is causing unnecessary delays.

“We must make progress here; we are spending much on common issues, which are unchallenged. The doctors called to testify, in my mind, I don’t think they are implicated or involved in this case. They can’t tell us who killed Mani and Musetsho. We must be mindful of the time and use it fruitfully.”

The court has heard testimonies from three state witnesses, including two medical doctors and a driver from Tshilidzini Hospital, regarding the deaths of two Samwu members in the Vhembe District Municipality. These testimonies were not challenged by the defence.

The Radzuma brothers are accused of the 2019 murders of Samwu officials Ronald Mani and Timpson Musetsho, who were vocal critics of the Vhembe District Municipality’s investment in the now-defunct VBS Mutual Bank. Ndivhuwo Radzuma is also accused of the murder of Zwothe Nemulodi, a suspected informant.

The trial is scheduled to continue throughout the week.