April 11, (THEWILL) – The murder trial of the five people accused of killing former Bafana Bafana captain, Senzo Meyiwa, began in South Africa on Monday, nearly ten years after the tragedy occurred.
Meyiwa was assassinated on October 26, 2014, little than a month after leading South Africa to a 0-0 tie with the Super Eagles, ensuring Nigeria’s elimination from the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
The appearance of the five men in a Pretoria High Court, sparked fresh national outrage. The murder trial follows the publication of a Netflix documentary about the former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper’s alleged assassination.
Almost eight years after the incident, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Mncube, Sufiso Ntuli, and Mthokoziseni Maphisa, were arraigned and charged with murdering the goalie.
THEWILL recalls that South Africa held Stephen Keshi’s Nigeria to a goalless draw in a key 2015 AFCON qualifying match in Cape Town, with Meyiwa preventing the Nigerians from gaining a much-needed victory.
The Super Eagles struggled in the qualifiers, losing surprisingly at home to Congo, due to administrative and internal problems.
The draw was crucial to South Africa’s qualification for the tournament, as well as the Super Eagles’ elimination from the competition.
Meyiwa was the team’s captain under former coach, Shakes Mashaba, and he was known for his outstanding goalkeeping and leadership.
He was murdered before South Africa forced the Super Eagles to a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture that confirmed Nigeria’s elimination at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
According to the Netflix documentary on the goalkeeper’s murder, Meyiwa was in his girlfriend, Kelly Khumalo’s house with her mother, children, sister, sister’s boyfriend, and two of the goalkeeper’s friends, when they were attacked by armed men.
Meyiwa was alleged to have jumped to the family’s defence and opposed the accused robbers in what was considered to be a robbery at the time. He was fatally shot and died. It was a national tragedy due of his popularity and the circumstances of his demise.
Afterwards, there was not much to the story as his death was termed a heist gone bad. But, when the goalkeeper’s death was investigated again in October 2020, five suspects were apprehended by the police.
The twist in recent times is that Khumalo, Meyiwa’s girlfriend, has also been linked to the case since she is claimed to have put a call to one of the murderers, though she has never been charged.
The goalkeeper’s brother insisted on detaining Khumalo, a South African musician and to have her involvement investigated.
The trial of the five, who are charged with murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, will resume in Pretoria on Tuesday, after one of the lawyers requested a postponement on Monday.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
