Nine years after Meyiwa’s murder state grapples with bringing suspects to book

Exactly on this day nine-years ago soccer star Senzo Meyiwa was killed in cold blood at his girlfriend’s home in Vosloorus.

Meyiwa was at the pinnacle of his career where many regarded him Mzansi’s number one goalkeeper. At the time of his death he had seven international caps with six clean sheets. Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates at the time considered him as the best goalkeeper going toe to toe with the Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune.

However, the state has been having a tough time convicting the suspects in Meyiwa’s murder trial.  For three years now Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Ntuli have been in the dock charged with murder, robbery and being in possession of an illegal firearm in relation to the murder of the soccer star.

The  National Prosecuting Authority claims to have confessions made by accused Ntazi and Sibiya, however, the defence claims the alleged confessions were made after their clients were tortured and coerced to make them.

The trial has taken several  twists and turns that have left not only the Meyiwa family confused but have also shocked the whole SA.

Some of the highlights from the trial thus far are:

The state led evidence via a forensic data analysis that Meyiwa’s then girlfriend Kelly Khumalo had contacted accused 5 [Ntuli] just days before Meyiwa was shot. However, the reasons for the alleged call remain unknown.

The defence has set aside allegations that on the night in question no intruders went into the Khumalo’s home.

Evidence in court, based on DNA, has failed to place the five suspects at the crime scene.

Zandile Khumalo broke into tears while testifying as she pointed out Ntanzi as one of the intruders who robbed them on the night.

The state alleges that Ntanzi who worked at Sibanye Gold Mine in Carltonville was not at his workplace when Meyiwa was shot.

An audio recording with alleged confessions taken by magistrate Vivian Cronje was deemed illegal and set aside by the court, while the pointing out of the suspects commissioned by Ltd-Col Nkosikhona Hadebe has been harshly scrutinised due to his lack of experience at the time

State witness Sizwe Zungu testified he was with Ntuli on the night in question, moments after Meyiwa was shot.

While the trial is ongoing football fans and those close to Meyiwa await the day his real killers get convicted while South Africans continue to celebrate the talent and life of Meyiwa.