Senzo Meyiwa murder trial resumes after three-month hiatus
Senzo Meyiwa murder trial resumes after three-month hiatus! The high-profile murder trial of Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa is set to resume at the Pretoria High Court on Monday, bringing renewed hope for progress in a case that has captivated and frustrated South Africans for nearly a decade.
The trial had been paused for three months following the sudden death of one of the defence attorneys, Thulani Mngomezulu, which led to delays in representation for one of the accused, Muzi Sibiya.
Death of Defence Lawyer Stalls Proceedings
Mngomezulu’s unexpected passing in late 2023 left a significant gap in the defence team. His client, Muzi Sibiya—one of the five men accused of involvement in the 2014 killing of Meyiwa—was left without legal representation. The court granted a pause to allow Sibiya to appoint a new lawyer and ensure his constitutional right to a fair trial.
Sibiya, who is accused of being one of the men standing guard outside Kelly Khumalo’s home in Vosloorus on the night of Meyiwa’s murder, eventually requested to be represented by Advocate Charles Mnisi. Mnisi is also the lawyer for another accused in the case, Mthobisi Mncube, the alleged gunman.
Senzo Meyiwa murder trial
Advocate Mnisi Requests Time to Prepare
In January 2025, Mnisi returned to court to confirm that he had agreed to represent Sibiya. However, he immediately requested more time to study the court record and familiarize himself with the specifics of Sibiya’s involvement in the trial thus far.
“I deem it very prudent and very judicious for me to request that I be afforded an opportunity to go and read the record, particularly those portions as they relate to accused 1,” Mnisi told the court.
His request was granted, pushing the trial’s continuation to April. This delay, while necessary, added to the frustration felt by Meyiwa’s family and the public, who have watched the case drag on for nearly 11 years.
Five Men on Trial for Soccer Star’s Murder
Sibiya is one of five men charged with the murder of Senzo Meyiwa, who was gunned down at the home of his girlfriend, singer Kelly Khumalo, in October 2014. The case initially appeared to stall for years, with little progress until 2020 when the current suspects were arrested.
The accused face charges including murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. The prosecution has argued that the killing was a contract hit, contradicting early theories that it was a botched robbery.
The defense has repeatedly contested the credibility of the state’s case, pointing to alleged coercion, tampering with evidence, and procedural mishandling in the early stages of the investigation.
Investigating Officer to Return to the Stand
As the trial resumes on Monday, attention will shift back to Brigadier Bongani Gininda, the investigating officer, who will return to the witness stand for further cross-examination. Gininda has been a central figure in building the case against the five accused, and his testimony is expected to play a pivotal role in the court’s assessment of the investigation’s legitimacy.
Legal analysts anticipate that the defence will focus on challenging inconsistencies in the state’s case and continue pressing for evidence of alleged misconduct during the investigation.
Public and Family Await Justice
Meyiwa’s death was not only a tragedy for his family but a national loss. He was a beloved figure in South African sport, having captained both Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates. His unsolved murder became a symbol of public frustration with the criminal justice system’s perceived inefficiency and lack of transparency.
With the trial finally resuming, many hope that 2025 will be the year that the truth is finally uncovered and justice is served for Senzo Meyiwa and his grieving family.
