The state has already called more than 5 of its 52 witnesses to come and narrate details of their stories which may help the state's case involving the alleged mastermind, Stanley Bakili, and others.

Since last week, the first week of the trial, some of the key witnesses, including a surprise testimony by former FS Health MEC Benny Malakoane, testified in the case. Malakoane gave details on his relationship with Bakili and Siemens since 2016/17.

This also included the testimony of another senior health official, Pinkey Belot, who told the court about the meetings and encounters she had with Bakili, some which she described as unbearable.

The highlight of Monday’s proceedings was when a 41-year-old waiter at Annie’s Country Kitchen, Ohuliseng Seleme, and the court bore witness to a video that captured the last hour of businessman Siemens’ life before he was shot and killed in May 2018. 

The trial continues on Tuesday with Seleme expected to conclude his testimony.

The men on trial are Bakili, Mogoera Molebatsi, Kagiso Chabane, Mojalefa Jali Molusi, Moeketsi Lesia, Karabo Tau, Sizwe Mpati, and Clive Tshivenga. They are between the ages of 29 and 56 and include three police officers, a disbarred advocate, an accused in separate double murder cases, and a military man. 

According to the state’s video, Siemens made his first walk-in at the restaurant at 14:11:11 but he walked out. He returned in just a few seconds to take a seat at 14:11:26. At 14:15:45 Bakili arrived at the restaurant and took a seat with Siemens and the two are seen talking with each other.

Minutes later, at 14:54:54, Bakili walks out and at 14:54:55 walks back in. This time he does not sit, instead, he just turns around the table while Siemens is still sitting. Inbetween Bakili and Siemens’ meeting, Seleme says accused number four, Molusi, walks in, dressed in construction workers’ clothing and wearing a cricket hat.

In the video, Seleme helps the man depicted as Molusi, who does not stick around for much longer. This after he asked what type of drinks the restaurant had. He, however, never bought one and told the waiter he was fetching his wallet from the car before walking down through the basement parking where Siemens was gunned down.

OFM News/Lucky Nkuyane and Olebogeng Motse