IT’S been eight years since the death of Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates captain Senzo Meyiwa.
He was shot, allegedly during a botched robbery in Vosloorus, where he was with his then girlfriend Kelly Khumalo, her sister Zandie Khumalo-Gumede, her then boyfriend Longwe Twala, as well as two of his friends Mthokozisi Thwala and Tumelo Madlala.
Sifisokuhle Ntuli, Muzikawukhulelwa Sthemba Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Ncube and Mthokoziseni Ziphozonke Maphisa are facing charges, and pleaded not guilty to premeditated murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, possession of firearms without a license and illegal possession of ammunition.
The trial got under way this year at the North Gauteng High Court.
Three people have so far given testimonies.
Sergeant Thabo Mosia, as the first forensic official to attend the scene, Sergeant Patrick Mlungisi Mthethwa as the first cop with his colleague “Mathebula”, and Meyiwa’s friend, Madlala.
The court heard the scene may have been tampered with, and that Meyiwa was allegedly shot by one of the people inside – Twala or Khumalo.
Advocate Zandile Mshololo, for accused five, and attorney TT Thobane, representing one to four, bought the narrative about Twala while cross-examining Madlala. Thobane said Meyiwa had a sexual relationship with Khumalo’s sister, in turn angering Twala.
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But Madlala said that was not true, and an intruder shot him.
He testified that Meyiwa was shot after they had enjoyed a meal while watching football.
He said he saw two men, one with a gun, suddenly entering and demanding their cellphones.
A fight broke out when Twala pushed one intruder away from the door as he was fleeing, and the sisters fought one man off. He said another fought with Meyiwa, after which a shot was fired.
Controversial Advocate Malesela Teffo, representing accused one to four, revealed another docket, implicating all those who were in the house for murder. This before his dramatic withdrawal.
Judge Tshifiwa Maumela has postponed the case so a new lawyer can familiarise himself with the trial.
Meanwhile, SunMan Trevor Kunene captured Meyiwa’s last moments in action at Orlando Stadium during the Telkom Knock Out match against Ajax Cape Town on 25 October 2014 – the day before he was killed.
