During proceedings at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Monday, a statement attributed to Sifiso Meyiwa, the brother of the late soccer star, was presented, suggesting contradictions in the narrative surrounding Senzo Meyiwa’s tragic death. Meyiwa claimed that Orlando Pirates boss Irvin Khoza conveyed to him that his brother was not shot by robbers but rather by Longwe Twala.
This revelation emerged amidst cross-examination by Advocate Thulani Mngomezulu, representing one of the accused, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya. Mngomezulu contested the integrity of the evidence presented against the accused, alleging fabrication.
Sergeant Batho Mogola, the investigating officer in the case, faced scrutiny regarding the conduct of the investigation. Mngomezulu criticized Mogola for purportedly neglecting to interview crucial witnesses, including the Meyiwa family. Mogola defended her actions, stating that she had not been instructed to interview the family.
Mngomezulu further posited a theory that Meyiwa was shot accidentally while attempting to intervene in a domestic dispute between Longwe Twala and Zandi Khumalo. He requested the court to consider Sifiso’s statement as evidence, wherein Khoza allegedly asserted that Meyiwa’s shooting was not a result of a robbery but a domestic altercation.
State prosecutor advocate George Baloyi countered Mngomezulu’s argument by presenting Khoza’s statement refuting Sifiso’s claims. However, Mngomezulu insisted that Khoza should be called to testify in court.
The murder of Senzo Meyiwa, a former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper, occurred in 2014 during a visit to his girlfriend Kelly Khumalo’s residence. Five men are currently on trial for his murder.
The trial is set to continue on Tuesday, shedding further light on the complex circumstances surrounding Meyiwa’s untimely demise.