A forensic pathologist testified on Tuesday at the Pretoria High Court, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding Senzo Meyiwa‘s cause of death.
Senzo Meyiwa cause of death detailed in forensic pathologist testimony
The expert witness revealed that Senzo Meyiwa’s cause of death was a gunshot wound inflicted at close range, providing gory details of the fatal incident.
The trial involves five defendants who are believed to be connected to the murder of Meyiwa, which occurred in October 2014 at the residence of his girlfriend, singer Kelly Khumalo, in Vosloorus.
Dr. Johannes Steenkamp, the forensic pathologist who conducted the autopsy on Meyiwa’s body shortly after his demise, took the stand to offer his professional insights. He highlighted that the gun used in the crime had been pressed against Meyiwa’s chest when the fatal shot was fired.
Steenkamp delivered a chilling account of how the bullet’s trajectory unfolded, indicating that it had entered Meyiwa’s chest and moved through his right lung before exiting through his back.
The expert underlined that the evidence was consistent with a close-contact bullet entrance wound. He explained,
“When a muzzle is pressed to the skin, all the elements such as gas, heat, and gunpowder are driven into the skin.”
The forensic pathologist further explained that a significant portion of Meyiwa’s bleeding occurred internally.
He clarified that while some blood might have leaked through the skin wounds, it wouldn’t necessarily have spurted out like arterial blood.
In his testimony, Steenkamp categorically stated that Meyiwa’s cause of death was attributed to the gunshot wound, which damaged his heart and lungs.
The pathologist’s evidence delves deep into the mechanics of the fatal incident and provides a clearer understanding of how the events unfolded on that fateful day.
The trial continues to unfold as more expert witnesses and evidence come to light.
The case has garnered widespread attention due to the high-profile nature of the victim and the circumstances surrounding his tragic death.
Follow the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial live at Swisher Post.
