Trial of alleged serial killer continues in Secunda

The Secunda Regional Court has postponed its case against suspected serial killer and rapist Themba Shongwe for April 23.

Shongwe stands accused of murdering several girls in eMbalenhle.

The trial resumed on March 26 to 27, when pathologists and witnesses from the forensic laboratory in Pretoria took to the witness stand.

They testified about the exhibit collection and how the evidence was handled until it reached the laboratory.

Shongwe’s attorney insisted these witnesses testified in person instead of written submissions (chain statements).

ALSO CHECK: Themba Shongwe to stand trial in March for murder of four girls

He argued the exhibits collected at the crime scenes had been tampered with before arriving at the laboratory.

However, all the witnesses testified the Pretoria forensic laboratory could not accept exhibits which had been tampered with.

They also explained the procedures they follow to collect exhibits and their experiences in their field of work.
Shongwe pleaded not guilty two years ago on all the charges.

The court gallery was again full of family members of the murdered girls, as well as concerned community members.

ALSO CHECK: Victims’ family members testify at Shongwe’s trial in Secunda Regional Court