S v Maphumulo (SH 38/2021) [2022] ZAKZNRD 20 (7 April 2022)

Criminal law and procedure – evidence of single witness who was an accomplice – whether the trial court correctly applied the cautionary rule – whether appellant’s alibi and his denial of complicity are reasonably possibly true.

Criminal law and procedure – caution applied to single witness evidence – whether the state witness’ identification was reliable and credible – whether the appellant’s right to a fair trial was infringed by the high court’s refusal to recall the state witness after inspection in loco was completed.

Criminal law – murder – circumstantial evidence – sufficiency and
reliability thereof – whether common purpose was established – whether
contradictions material – whether sentence is appropriate.