Senzo Meyiwa murder trial resumes with new witness on stand

May 2, 2023 86 1

The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial has adjourned for the day and will resume tomorrow in the high court in Pretoria.

After a lengthy delay, the case kicked off with a new witness on the stand, Mthokozisi Twala. Twala is one of Meyiwa’s friends who were present in the Khumalo home when the football star was shot and killed in October 2014.

Four accused in the matter have changed their legal representatives, while accused number 5 has retained advocate Zandile Mshololo’s services.

The new defense lawyers requested that the three previous witnesses be recalled for cross-examination. The state, however, declined the request.

Today’s witness was the fourth to take the stand in the trial, which began in April last year. Among the previous witnesses is forensic officer, Thabo Mosia, who was the one who collected all the forensic evidence at the crime scene. Mosia’s testimony was followed by Sergeant Patrick Mthethwa, who was one of the first police officers to arrive at the Khumalo household after the footballer was shot.

He has told the court that when they entered the Khumalo home nothing suggested that a crime had been committed.

Detailing the sequence of events, Mthethwa conceded that the crime scene was only cordoned off when they returned to the crime scene for a second time.

Mthethwa also revealed that the bullet projectile collected as evidence from the Khumalo home was found on the floor, contrary to forensic officer Mosia’s testimony who said it was found on the kitchen counter.

The defense in the case has vigorously challenged the authorities’ handling of the case, insisting that the murder scene was staged.

Written by: Lindiwe Mpanza

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