On 26 October 2014, national football star Senzo Robert Meyiwa was gunned down in the home of his girlfriend, actress and singer Kelly Khumalo, in Vosloorus, Johannesburg. The incident occurred during a social gathering at her home, in what was reported as a home invasion. A suspect was arrested 5 days after the incident, and he did appear in court. He was however released on 11 November due to lack of evidence.
The nation of South Africa mourned this great loss and there was an outpouring of outrage at the high crime statistics in South Africa. Football players around the globe expressed their condolences. Meyiwa was given a state funeral on November 1 2014, which was attended by prominent figures, ministers and thousands of fans and supporters.
5 Suspects Appear in Court, 27 October 2020
It was initially believed that the incident was a house robbery “gone wrong” and that 3 suspects were involved. It has since transpired that the murder was possibly an assassination.
The following 5 suspects appeared today in the Boksburg Magistrate’s court in connection with the murder which took place 6 years ago:
– Muzikawulahlelwa S’tembu Sibiya,
– Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi,
– Mthobisi Prince Mncube,
– Mthokosizeni Ziphozonke Maphisa
– Sifikuhle Nkani Ntuli
In a bizarre turn of events in the court proceedings today, some of the five suspects, allegedly refused to get into the court dock, saying they had nothing to do with the murder of the soccer star.
Mncube stated that at the time of the murder he was in jail, and so could not have done it. Only one of the five accused, Ntanzi, has legal representation. Two of the suspects have stated they have no idea how they were connected to this case.
Meyiwa’s family said they were shocked by the incidents that unfolded, especially given that the police had stated that the accused had given confessions.
Police & National Prosecuting Authority Contradict each other.
Newzroom Afrika’s Xoli Mngambi stated sternly on air that “is has got to be said, and I must say it. It is an embarrassment for our law enforcement that a private prosecuting arm is being celebrated when in fact we should be celebrating our public prosecuting authorities”.
AfriForum’s private prosecutions leader, Advocate Gerrie Nel, had stated yesterday, 26 October, that in no uncertain terms this was an assassination and not a robbery. Today, 27 October, however, details which emerged in the court were apparently indicating the opposite.
Advocate Nel went on to say to Newzroom Afrika, that he is very concerned and stated “we should all be very concerned that what happened in court today is not in line with what we were being briefed by the police. So, I’m still satisfied that the brief I received from the investigating team is on track. I understand what the investigating team briefed me on, the evidence they made available to me, the evidence they told me about… So, I am still where I was yesterday, that this was a hit. I was concerned when I read the document that was read out by the prosecutor today… But, this will ensure that we have to stay involved, we have a bigger role to play now, to make sure that the apparent contradiction between the police and the NPA is not to such an extent that it will prejudice the case, because we shouldn’t prejudice a case because of a misunderstanding between the police and the NPA.”
Outside the court, supporters of the slain star and of Advocate Gerrie Nel, were singing and chanting “Gerri Nel”.
Police Minister Bheki Cele briefed media on latest developments in case
On 26 October, Minister Bheki stated in his briefing: “With no arrests, hope of whether or not Senzo Meyiwa’s killers would be found began to fade away for some, but not for us in the South African Police Services. Despite heavy criticisms from some quarters, we have always maintained that we are satisfied the matter and investigation is progressing well.”
He continued “I’m happy to announce that there has been a breakthrough in the Senzo Meyiwa murder case. The first FIVE suspects have been arrested between 8 am and 10 am this morning in Gauteng and Kwa Zulu-Natal. These arrests are as a result of a multi-disciplinary integrated approach to this investigation which is working closely with the Directorate for Public Prosecution.”
