Meyiwa family calls for removal of judge and prosecutors in murder trial

The family of slain Bafana Bafana captain, Senzo Meyiwa, have called for the removal of the presiding judge and prosecutors in his long running trial, accusing them of corruption and deliberately obstructing justice.

The call was made during a picket held outside the Union Buildings on Tuesday, marking 12 years since Meyiwa was shot and killed in Vosloorus while visiting his girlfriend and mother of his child, singer Kelly Khumalo, at her family home.

Family members and supporters at the demonstration said they have stopped closely following court proceedings, claiming the trial has failed to deliver meaningful progress.

The group have also called for intervention from the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations (DPCI) and the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), alleging corruption within the justice system and demanding renewed investigative action.

Phillip Malepe, a close associate of Meyiwa since 2008, is demanding that President Cyril Ramaphosa take decisive action in the matter.

“We wish our president could just put pressure on the people who are handling the case so that we could see tangible progress. We, as the family, are just pleading that they remove that Judge, and Prosecutor Baloyi, and Baloyi’s deputy because we feel as though they are the ones blocking progress in the case,” said Malepe.

The picketers also alleged judicial bias and claimed fabricated evidence has been used in court, accusations that have not been tested in proceedings.

A memorandum was handed to the Presidency public liaison officer, Sibusiso Mabuza, who indicated that a response will be issued within a week.

Supporters further demanded that all individuals present in the house on the night of the shooting be re-investigated and questioned.

They also referenced former national police commissioner, Khomotso Phahlane’s 2016 parliamentary appearance, arguing it should be revisited as they believe it supports their version of events.

During that appearance, Phahlane noted concerns that the crime scene may have been compromised, although the specifics remains contested.

One of Meyiwa’s relatives, Menzi Cebekhulu, claimed that those present in the house know what happened and accused police of withholding key evidence.

They insist that justice will not be served while, Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng, continues to preside over the matter and prosecutor, George Baloyi, remains involved in the case.

Meyiwa’s brother, Sifiso Meyiwa, also weighed in, claiming the former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper was accidentally shot during an argument involving Zandile Khumalo (Kelly’s sister) and her then-boyfriend, Longwe Twala.

He further alleged that the senior investigation officer, Brigadier Bongani Gininda, is blocking access to an alternative docket he believes contains the true version of events.

The claims form part of a broader dispute over the handling of the case, in which five men are currently on trial in the Pretoria High Court for Meyiwa’s murder.

Sifiso further suggested that no intruders entered the house on the night Meyiwa was killed.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao