The murder trial of South African soccer star, Senzo Meyiwa, has been unfolding in the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, revealing a series of intriguing revelations. Meyiwa was fatally shot on October 26, 2014, at the residence of his then-girlfriend, Kelly Khumalo, in Vosloorus. The trial has five accused individuals who have all pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them, which include murder, attempted murder, robbery, and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Crucial Testimony
Sergeant Moses Mabasa, a cellphone analyst and the fifth State witness in the case, recently provided crucial information that could be a vital link in the chain of evidence. In August 2020, he received a CD containing data downloaded from a phone seized from Mthobisi Mncube, the third accused in the case. The data revealed a chilling piece of information — a picture of a silver and gold 9mm pistol stored as “my killing machine.”
Evidence Presentations
Colonel Lambertus Steyn, a cellphone data expert, previously informed the court that the fifth accused had contacted Kelly Khumalo two times in 2014 before the murder occurred. Steyn’s testimony also included the admission of Mncube’s legal representative, Advocate Charles Mnisi, that the photos of a man with dreadlocks were indeed images of his client.
The data extracted from Mncube’s confiscated phone comprised not only the image of the gun, but also pictures of a man with dreadlocks, taxis, R100 and R200 notes saved as “Impande yesono,” and others. The presence of these photos on Mncube’s phone raises questions that the trial will undoubtedly seek to address as the prosecution endeavors to establish a solid case against the five accused.
Pursuing Justice
State Prosecutor, Advocate George Baloyi, stated in 2022 that the forensic pathologist’s evidence would show that the cause of Meyiwa’s death was a bullet entrance wound involving the heart and lung. Furthermore, Baloyi emphasized that the prosecution would attempt to prove through a ballistic expert that the spent bullet found near the kitchen door matched the firearm discovered in the possession of Mncube. The gun in question was discovered during Mncube’s arrest when he was with his girlfriend in a room in Malvern.
As the trial moves forward, the pursuit of justice for Senzo Meyiwa and his loved ones continues. The intriguing testimony and evidence presented so far have generated much interest and discussion among the public. While the court strives to uncover the truth behind the tragic events of October 26, 2014, the hope remains that the family and friends of the late soccer star may eventually find closure and solace through the legal process.
