During the ongoing trial in the case of former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa’s murder, one of the accused, Bongani Ntanzi, asserted in court that the lead investigator, Brigadier Bongani Gininda, offered him R3 million to falsely implicate himself and collaborate with the police. Ntanzi, the second accused, continued his testimony on Friday, detailing events following his arrest on June 16, 2020.
Currently in a trial-within-a-trial, the court is assessing the admissibility of Ntanzi’s confession statement, allegedly made on June 24, 2020, according to the State. Two of the accused, Ntanzi and Muzikawkhulelwa Sibiya, claim they were coerced into confessing to Meyiwa’s murder through severe assault.
Ntanzi informed the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria that he never confessed; instead, he accused Gininda of offering him R3 million to implicate himself in the murder and “work with the police.” Gininda, denying the bribery allegation, had previously testified.
According to Ntanzi, the offer was made when Gininda became frustrated as he refused to implicate himself or others in the footballer’s murder. Ntanzi, under the questioning of his legal representative, advocate Sipho Ramosepele, stated that he declined the offer, stating that he did not need money as he was employed.
Ntanzi further disputed claims that attorney Dominic Ntokozo Mjiyako represented him during his appearance in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court. Instead, he asserted that Mjiyako approached him after being sent by relatives when they heard of his arrest. Ntanzi claimed that Mjiyako wanted him to confess to the murder, leading to the termination of his representation.
Gininda, however, had testified earlier that Mjiyako withdrew his services due to non-payment, denying any offer of money to Ntanzi.
The trial, featuring five accused individuals, including Ntanzi and Sibiya, continues with Ntanzi still on the stand. The murder of Senzo Meyiwa occurred on October 26, 2014, at the home of his singer girlfriend Kelly Khumalo in Vosloorus. The trial resumes on Monday.