Police Constable Sizwe Zungu, a state witness, delivered compelling testimony that could potentially alter the course of the high-profile case.
Senzo Meyiwa trial: Court hears accused allegedly celebrated the murder
Zungu returned to the witness stand at the High Court in Pretoria, providing startling revelations about the events leading up to the soccer star’s tragic death in 2014.
On Thursday, Zungu dropped a bombshell by asserting that he was present with the five accused individuals at a hostel in Vosloorus on 26 October 2014, the fateful day when Senzo Meyiwa was killed.
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According to his testimony, later that evening, he witnessed two of the accused returning to the premises with firearms after an unexplained absence.
Zungu expressed his growing suspicion, but it was only upon reflection that he became convinced of their involvement in Meyiwa’s murder.
“I was sure that it was them. From accused number 1 to 5. That they came back and had firearms and they celebrated his death with a bottle of whiskey,” Zungu stated emphatically.
Notably, Zungu’s name was not included in the witness list for security reasons, emphasizing the sensitivity and gravity of the case.
Hailing from KwaZulu-Natal, Zungu’s shocking testimony adds another layer of complexity to a trial that has already captivated the nation. It corroborates previous evidence presented, including cell phone communication records and statements from the accused.
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Cell phone expert and investigating officer Lambertus Steyn had earlier revealed communication between the accused individuals: Muzi Sibiya (accused 1), Bongani Ntanzi (accused 2), and Mthobisi Mncube (accused 3).
Ntanzi had also acknowledged knowing accused 5, Fisokuhle Ntuli, although the circumstances of their acquaintance remained unclear.
For the first time since the trial’s commencement, the name of Mthokozisi Maphisa emerged in court proceedings.
This revelation occurred as Ntanzi’s friend, Jack Buthelezi, testified about a conversation he had with Ntanzi following his arrest in 2020.
Buthelezi disclosed that Ntanzi had informed him about his arrest for unlawful possession of ammunition and for his alleged involvement in Senzo Meyiwa’s killing, which he claimed occurred while he was in the company of his friends, including “abo Maphisa,” during a party in Vosloorus.
The Senzo Meyia murder trial resumes on Thursday.