Senzo Meyiwa: Nel ‘disappointed’ alleged mastermind not arrested

The five suspects who were arrested in connection with the killing of Senzo Meyiwa are expected to appear in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 5 March 2021. While at first glance, there appears to be progress in the case, Afriforum’s advocate Gerrie Nel is unhappy with the fact that police are yet to pounce on the alleged mastermind behind Meyiwa’s murder.

“I’m a bit disappointed that they haven’t made further arrests. I really expected the mastermind to be arrested by today. In October last year, we indicated that there is enough evidence to arrest the mastermind even then,” Nel said.

“I had a briefing from police management and the investigating team indicating that they collected even more evidence so I really do not understand why we don’t have the mastermind before court. But what is of more importance is that (they) let us see what is in the indictment”

Meyiwa, an Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, was shot dead in Vosloorus, at the home of his girlfriend, singer and actress Kelly Khumalo on 26 October 2014.

Senzo Meyiwa case – what happened at the last court appearance?

Muzikawukhulelwa S’tembu Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Mthobisi Mncube, Ziphozonke Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Sifisokuhle Nkani Ntuli were coincidentally arrested on the sixth anniversary of Senzo Meyiwa’s death.

They face charges of murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of unlawful firearm and possession of unlawful ammunition charges. The court proceedings took a dramatic turn when the men flat out refused to stand in the dock, claiming they were innocent and were taking the fall for the actual perpetrators implicated in Meyiwa’s killing.

There have been conflicting reports surrounding the circumstances surrounding his death. It was initially claimed armed robbers who stormed the house, had killed the star, however some have pointed the finger at Longwe Twala. According to several reports, Twala, the son of music legend Chicco Twala, had been arguing with his then girlfriend Zandi, who’s Khumalo’s sister. Meyiwa then intervened which led to Twala subsequently shooting him.

The Meyiwa family have backed this account, however Chicco Twala has vehemently denied that his son pulled the trigger. Afriforum offered assistance to the family who were frustrated with the lack of progress in the case.