Senzo Meyiwa’s murder ‘a hit, not a botched robbery’

Former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa’s murder was a contractual assassination, not a botched robbery as previously alleged by the state.

This is according to lead investigator Brigadier Bongani Gininda, who continued with his testimony when the trial resumed at the Pretoria High Court on Monday, 22 January, after an almost two-month-long break.

ALSO READ: Sifiso Meyiwa accuses Brigadier Gininda of Senzo murder ‘cover-up’

GININDA SAYS SENZO MEYIWA KILLING WAS A HIT

During proceedings, Gininda read the affidavit he had used to apply for a warrant of arrest for accused number one, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, and accused number two, Bongani Ntanzi, who are represented by Advocate Thulani Mngomezulu. This was to determine the admissibility of alleged confessions Sibiya and Ntanzi had made after their October 2020 arrest.

ALSO READ : ‘Let her come explain this nonsense’: Tumelo on Kelly’s statement

“The evidence will indicate that the planning of the offence, and gathering after the offence, happened at [a] Vosloorus hostel.

“The investigation which resulted in the evidence after oath revealed that the victim was murdered as a contracted assassination or hit, rather than a robbery gone wrong. Evidence after oath revealed that five suspects were involved in the planning and execution of the contractual murder of Senzo Meyiwa,” Gininda said.

Mthobisi Ncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Ntuli are the other three suspects.

ALSO READ: ‘Ugly, black, smelly’: Zandie names dog after lawyer in Meyiwa trial?

HOW THE ACCUSED ARE ALLEGEDLY LINKED TO THE CRIME

In his affidavit, Gininda also outlined the role of each of the accused and how they were linked to the murder.

According to the affidavit, witness statements revealed that Sibiya bragged to close associates in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) about his involvement with his co-accused in the crime.

ALSO READ: Meyiwa trial: Police accused of planting bullet projectile in house

“The accused was further linked with circumstantial evidence wherein he, minutes after the incident, disclosed and made remarks at a family gathering that he attended in Vosloorus for the killing of Senzo Meyiwa even before the death was reported in the media.

“He is further linked by means of a formal confession he made to the commission independent officer on 30th of May 2020. The suspect further made a formal pointing out to the sequence prior to the incident,” Gininda further read his affidavit.

ALSO READ: ‘This is why I asked if she has matric’: Mshololo hits back at Zandie

Ntanzi, according to Gininda, was linked to the murder through certified statements he made to witnesses. He was also linked through an identikit as the person who had been wearing a hoodie.

Gininda also testified that statements and confessions by Mncube’s co-accused identified him as the gunman. His photos allegedly matched the description of the suspect, who had dreadlocks, big eyes and gold teeth.

In addition, Maphisa allegedly confessed to a private person about his involvement. Meanwhile, Ntuli is allegedly linked to the getaway car, which was a silver-grey Polo.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY NOKUTHULA NGCOBO