The investigation into the murder of South African soccer star Senzo Meyiwa has uncovered evidence suggesting that his fatal shooting was a “contractual assassination” rather than a botched robbery, according to an affidavit by lead investigator Brigadier Bongani Gininda.
Meyiwa was killed in October 2014 in the presence of his then-girlfriend Kelly Khumalo. Five men are currently on trial for the murder.
Gininda outlined the alleged roles of each accused in the crime, pointing to evidence obtained under oath. Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, one of the accused, reportedly boasted to associates in KwaZulu-Natal about his involvement in Meyiwa’s killing. Witness statements and circumstantial evidence linked Sibiya to the crime.
Another accused, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, was identified through sworn statements, an identikit compiled from witness descriptions, and a subsequent confession he made to a commission officer in June 2020.
Mthobisi Mncube, another accused, was linked to the murder through statements and confessions made by the co-accused. Mncube, already serving a 35-year sentence for a 2015 murder, was found to have used the same firearm in both cases.
Mthokoziseni Maphisa allegedly confessed to his involvement in the crime after seeking information about Ntanzi’s arrest. Sifisokuhle Nkani Ntuli, the fifth accused, was allegedly linked to the getaway car used in the crime.
The investigation further revealed that the cellphone taken from the house during the robbery was traced to cellphone towers in the area of Vosloorus hostel but was never recovered or switched on again. The trial continues with the presentation of evidence and testimonies.