The late Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, Senzo Meyiwa. Image: Austin Ogiza / Flickr
Senzo Meyiwa: Footballer’s murder trial begins on Monday
Five men face charges in connection with the murder of former Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa – but the mastermind is still at large
The late Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, Senzo Meyiwa. Image: Austin Ogiza / Flickr
More than eight years after Senzo Meyiwa was fatally shot in what was initially said to be a botched robbery, five people implicated in the former Bafana Bafana captain’s killing are set to on trial on Monday, 11 April 2022.
Meyiwa, who also played for Orlando Pirates, was shot dead in Vosloorus, at the home of his girlfriend, singer and actress Kelly Khumalo on 26 October 2014. The accused are expected to make an appearance at the High Court sitting in Palm Ridge.
This comes just days after the release of a new Netflix documentary about his passing. Despite the arrests, Meyiwa’s family says the mastermind behind his killing is still at large.
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SENZO MEYIWA MURDER: WHO ARE THE ACCUSED?
Muzikawukhulelwa S’tembu Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Mthobisi Mncube, Ziphozonke Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Sifisokuhle Nkani Ntuli were coincidentally arrested on the sixth anniversary of Senzo Meyiwa’s death (October 2020).
They face charges of murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of unlawful firearm and possession of unlawful ammunition charges. The initial court 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.
There have been conflicting reports surrounding the circumstances surrounding his death. It was initially claimed armed robbers who stormed the house, had killed the star, however some have pointed the finger at Longwe Twala. According to several reports, Twala, the son of music legend Chicco Twala, had been arguing with his then girlfriend Zandi, who’s Khumalo’s sister. Meyiwa then intervened which led to Twala subsequently shooting him.
The Meyiwa family have backed this account, however Chicco Twala has vehemently denied that his son pulled the trigger. Afriforum offered assistance to the family who were frustrated with the lack of progress in the case.
YOU CAN ALSO READ: Who killed Senzo Meyiwa? Netflix series dives into soccer star’s murder
