The murder trial of former Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa took another dramatic turn on Thursday as accused number three, Mthobisi Mncube, questioned why singer Kelly Khumalo has not been called to testify in court.
Mncube, who is giving evidence in the High Court in Pretoria, argued that everyone who was present inside the Vosloorus home on the night Meyiwa was fatally shot should have appeared before the court to provide their version of events. According to him, their testimony is crucial in helping the court establish exactly what happened on the night of the tragic incident.
The State alleges that Mncube was the gunman responsible for shooting Meyiwa during what prosecutors describe as a planned hit. He is one of five men currently standing trial for the murder of the soccer star, who was killed on 26 October 2014 while visiting the home of his then-girlfriend, Kelly Khumalo.
Maintaining his innocence, Mncube insisted that he has no knowledge of the events that unfolded inside the house where Meyiwa lost his life. He told the court that no witness had presented evidence explaining why Meyiwa was killed or how he became linked to the crime.
Addressing the court, Mncube said he remains confused about why he has been accused of murdering the football icon. He further questioned why Khumalo, who was inside the house when the shooting occurred, has not been called to testify.
According to Mncube, Khumalo’s testimony could provide important information regarding the circumstances surrounding Meyiwa’s death. He argued that the court should have heard directly from her about what happened that evening and suggested that her absence from the witness stand leaves significant questions unanswered.
He also claimed that, based on his own view of the case, Khumalo should have faced charges before any of the current accused. However, this statement reflects Mncube’s personal opinion presented during his testimony and does not form part of the prosecution’s case.
The murder of Senzo Meyiwa remains one of South Africa’s most closely followed criminal cases. More than a decade after his death, the case continues to attract widespread public attention as the court hears evidence from witnesses and the accused.
The trial has experienced numerous delays over the years, with legal arguments, witness testimony and procedural matters extending the proceedings. Despite this, Meyiwa’s family has repeatedly expressed hope that the court process will finally uncover the truth and deliver justice for the late goalkeeper.
Earlier this week, Meyiwa’s mother once again appealed for justice, saying the family has endured years of pain while waiting for answers about who was responsible for her son’s death.
As proceedings continue in the Pretoria High Court, the focus remains on the evidence presented before the court. The State continues to pursue its case against the five accused, while the defence challenges the prosecution’s version of events in an effort to clear their clients’ names.
The trial is expected to continue as more testimony is heard in what remains one of the country’s most high-profile murder cases.
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