Senzo Meyiwa trial

A female’s DNA was found on the hat of a suspect in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial. Image via Twitter at #senzomeyiwa hashtag

Senzo Meyiwa: ‘Police have the right suspects,’ says Nel

Advocate Gerrie Nel says they expect one more person to be arrested “soon” and is confident in the recent developments in the case

Senzo Meyiwa trial

A female’s DNA was found on the hat of a suspect in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial. Image via Twitter at #senzomeyiwa hashtag

The head of Afriforum’s prosecution unit, advocate Gerrie Nel says progress is being made in the killing of Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa and that contrary to developments in the case, the South African Police Service (SAPS) handcuffed the right suspects, who subsequently appeared in court.

Muzikawukhulelwa S’tembu Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Mthobisi Mncube, Ziphozonke Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Sifisokuhle Nkani Ntuli were in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 26 October 2020 – a day after they were arrested, which was the sixth anniversary of Meyiwa’s death.

They face charges of murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of unlawful firearm and possession of unlawful ammunition charges. The 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 Senzo Meyiwa’s killing.

Nel: One arrest should be expected in Senzo Meyiwa murder

However, speaking to eNCA, Nel said more arrests should be expected in the Meyiwa case and said the ‘breakthrough’ was nothing to be scoffed at.

“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,”

Afriforum’s Advocate Gerrie Nel

Meyiwa was fatally shot on 26 October 2014 in Vosloorus, at the home of his girlfriend, singer Kelly Khumalo.

According to Sunday Times, police are continuing zeroing in on the five suspects, this time going through a series of social media messages which reportedly link them to the mastermind. Initial reports had claimed Meyiwa was killed in a botched robbery – however Police Minister Bheki Cele has said they were not ruling out the soccer star being the victim of a hit.

 Khumalo, who was one of at least people who were present during the incident, has long maintained her innocence. Meyiwa’s family claim Londwe Twala, one of the witnesses, shot and killed their son in cold blood – but that police failed to arrest him regardless. Senzo Meyiwa was at the prime of his career when he was murdered, being part of the national team at just age 27.

The case has been postponed to 27 November.