Senzo Meyiwa’s five murder suspects back in court

The five men implicated in the murder of former South Africa’s national football team captain Senzo Meyiwa are set returns to Court today on Friday, 27 November 2020.

The suspects, Muzikawukhulelwa S’tembu Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Mthobisi Mncube, Ziphozonke Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Sifisokuhle Nkani Ntuli were arrested on 26 October 2020 – the sixth anniversary of his death.

At their initial court appearance, proceedings took a dramatic turn when the men flat out refused to stand in the dock, claiming they were innocent and were taking the fall for the actual perpetrators implicated in Meyiwa’s killing.

Meyiwa was fatally shot in the home of his then girlfriend, singer Kelly Khumalo in Vosloorus, back in 2014.

They face charges of murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of unlawful firearm and possession of unlawful ammunition charges.

The developments in the case have the makings of a telenovela. A bombshell document was leaked, linking Khumalo to the murder investigation.

Police have said more arrests are imminent, but have given very little detail. The Meyiwa family has long maintained that there is a massive cover-up in the killing of their son.

“Cell phone records of Ms Kelly Khumalo indicating her communication with the accused must be obtained, as previously indicated. It was previously mentioned that there was a lender who advanced money to Kelly Khumalo, ostensibly to pay hitmen, and that this lender was pestering her for the repayment of this loan. The lender’ statement must be obtained,” the document reads in part.

In an interview with eNCA, Khumalo’s lawyer Magdalene Moonsamy denies that her client is in any way tied to the investigation, including the suspects.

“The investigation, the statements, the events that unfolded have been thoroughly analysed by the police over the years. There is no knowledge of the five individuals,” Moonsamy said.

It is believed that Meyiwa, Kelly, her sister Zandi, their mother as well as Meyiwa’s friends Mthokozisi Thwala and Tumelo Madlala, were all together during the attack.

National Commissioner General Khehla Sitole had initially said two of the suspects were inside the house on that fateful day. It is not clear whom.

Afriforum has been helping the Meyiwa family in their call for justice and believes they have the right suspects.

“Based on the briefing that I have received, I believe the right people are before court…the significance if their appearance should not be understated or forgotten. It’s really something we’ve been waiting for for six years. I’m a bit concerned that we haven’t moved further or quicker on the mastermind,” said the lobby group’s Gerrie Nel.