Senzo Meyia trial: Sangoma claims he prescribed Sibiya ‘white luck’ medicine to pull off murder

Testifying at the Senzo Meyiwa trial, the sangoma explained that he gave Sibiya 'white luck' medicine to provide him with an advantage in his 'job hunting'.

senzo meyiwa trial witness testimony Khaya ngcatshe

A sangoma (traditional healer) took the stand at the Senzo Meyia murder trial, recounting his encounter with a man he claims consulted him for luck and cleansing.

Senzo Meyia trial: Sangoma explosive testimony places Sibiya under the microscope

Lionel Robert Zwane, the sangoma in question, appeared as a witness for the prosecution in the Pretoria High Court, on Monday.

In his testimony, he described his practice of helping people with herbal medicine in Palm Ridge, Katlehong.

With gestures and occasional demonstrations, Zwane recalled an encounter with a man named Sibiya (Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya), who came to him in the company of two others seeking medicine for luck and later for cleansing.

When asked if he recognised any of the accused in court, Zwane stated that he could identify “Sibiya.”

However, when pressed to pinpoint this individual among the accused in the courtroom, he expressed uncertainty. He emphasised that he had seen Sibiya only once and couldn’t confidently identify him.

Zwane explained that he had provided Sibiya with “Inhlanhla emhlophe” or “white luck” medicine to bathe with, as the group was looking for employment.

He couldn’t recall the specific year of this encounter, attributing it to his age and illiteracy. He mentioned receiving R500 in payment for the medicine.

Several days later, Sibiya returned, reporting that one of the group had suffered an injury while job hunting. Zwane stated that, in traditional practice, cleansing is performed in cases of misfortune or loss of a family member. Consequently, he provided them with herbal medicine for cleansing.

Zwane’s life took a dramatic turn when a group of police officers arrived at his home one night. They informed him that they had arrested young men who had mentioned his name in connection with the medicine he provided. Zwane explained to the police that he did not engage in activities related to harmful purposes but was a helper of people.

While in police custody, Zwane claimed that he saw Sibiya, who was also handcuffed. He stated that he could recognise him. However, the prosecutor indicated that they would revisit this matter later.

During cross-examination by the defence, Zwane reiterated that he could not confidently identify the Sibiya who had consulted him, emphasising that, like meeting the defence advocate for the first time in court, he could not recognise someone on a subsequent occasion.

The trial resumes on Tuesday.