The ongoing Senzo Meyiwa murder trial has caused a significant impact on the career of Kelly Khumalo, girlfriend of the late Bafana Bafana goalkeeper. Khumalo was recently removed from the star-studded line-up of the “A Tribute to Women” festival due to concerns about her future engagements.
Kelly Khumalo Removed from “A Tribute to Women” Festival Lineup
The “A Tribute to Women” festival, a daytime family-friendly picnic-style event, was scheduled to take place on August 12 at Emmarentia Botanical Gardens in Johannesburg. However, the organizers released a statement on July 31, announcing that Kelly Khumalo would no longer be performing at the event.
The statement acknowledges Khumalo’s innocence until proven otherwise but expresses concerns about the public’s reactions on various social media platforms. The organizers have relieved her of her performance obligations this year, allowing her and her team to focus on addressing the issues arising from the ongoing court proceedings.
Meyiwa Murder Trial Enters Third Week
The Meyiwa murder trial entered its third week on Monday, with Colonel Lambertus Steyn, State’s fourth witness, being cross-examined. Steyn, a data analyst and investigation officer at the South African Police Services (SAPS) Cold Case Unit, previously testified that the accused number five (Fisokuhle Ntuli) had called Kelly’s number twice before the footballer’s tragic death.
However, defense counsel Advocate Zandile Mshololo, representing Ntuli, successfully challenged Steyn’s testimony. Steyn admitted that the number he claimed belonged to Ntuli was not registered under the suspect. Another revelation in Steyn’s testimony was that no one in the Khumalo household called the police or an ambulance after Meyiwa was shot.
Five Individuals Standing Trial for Meyiwa’s Murder
Meyiwa, a talented soccer player, was shot and killed at Kelly’s mother’s house in Vosloorus in what is believed to be a botched robbery. At the time of the incident, seven adults were present, including Kelly, her mother Ntombi Khumalo, her sister Zandie, Zandie’s boyfriend Longwe Thwala, the late player’s friends Mthokozisi Thwala and Tumelo Madlala, and Kelly’s two children.
Five individuals are currently standing trial for Meyiwa’s murder, with charges including premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of firearms without a license, and possession of ammunition. The accused include Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, and Sifisokuhle Nkani Ntuli.
Implications for Kelly Khumalo’s Career
The ongoing Senzo Meyiwa murder trial has caused significant implications for Kelly Khumalo’s music career. With her removal from the “A Tribute to Women” festival lineup, it remains to be seen how the singer will navigate the challenges she faces professionally and personally. As the trial continues to reveal new information, the implications for all those involved, including Khumalo, will undoubtedly be significant.
