State Officially Wraps Up Case in Senzo Meyiwa Murder Trial, South Africans Unhappy With Decision
- The State has officially wrapped up its case in the ongoing Senzo Meyiwa murder trial
- The States alleges that five men were responsible for the murder of the former Bafana Bafana captain
- South Africans are unhappy with the State's case, asking why the mastermind isn't arrested
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – The State has officially closed its case in the ongoing Senzo Meyiwa murder trial.
The former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates superstar was shot dead on 26 October 2014 at his girlfriend Kelly Khumalo's house in Vosloorus. Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, and Fisokuhle Ntuli were arrested in connection with the murder and have been on trial since 2022.
In 2023, Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng took over proceedings when Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela was suspended, and proceedings were restarted.
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State officially wraps up its case
Three years after they started, and two years after the reset trial began, the State has officially gone through all its witnesses. On Thursday, 24 July 2025, it wrapped up its case, which attempted to prove that the five men were all involved in the death of the former Bafana Bafana captain.
The State has tried to prove that the men were in contact with each other on the day of the murder, claiming that Mncube was the one who shot and killed Meyiwa, while Ntuli was named as the co-ordinator.
The State has also alleged that the murder was masterminded by Khumalo, but surprisingly, the singer and actress has not been charged, nor has she been called to testify.
The defence will now have a chance to call upon its own witnesses and provide evidence to disprove the State’s case.
Source: Getty Images
What you need to know about the Senzo Meyiwa trial
- One of the men accused of killing former Orlando Pirates star Meyiwa admitted that he was in contact with Kelly Khumalo.
- A defence lawyer said that two of the accused's confessions of murder were made under duress.
- Kelly Khumalo was linked with the murder of Meyiwa once more, leaving many to ask why she wasn't arrested.
- Tensions were rising between Judge Mokgoatlheng and Advocate Mnisi during proceedings in the murder trial.
- The matter was hit by a further postponement as a defence lawyer wasn't ready to proceed after a two-month delay.
- Confusion reigned in court after defence lawyer Charles Mnisi asked for leave of absence as he was running the Comrades Marathon.
- Proceedings in the trial were delayed following a debate in the courtroom over gold teeth and selfies.
How did South Africans react to the news?
Social media users were not happy with the decision, as many questioned why the State failed to charge Khumalo or provide concrete evidence that the men were responsible.
Tinas Yamal said:
“The State is afraid of Kelly Khumalo.”
Rerohle Lamola stated:
“I'm still waiting for the State to show how these gentlemen were involved in this. From what I heard previously, nothing points to their involvement. With Chauke being placed on suspension, we need a new investigating team to conclude this case.”
Matthew Seko asked:
“How do they close the case with so many loopholes? And whilst Mkhwanazi is still rooting out criminals, the strategy is to close and protect those implicated and send innocent people to jail.”
Stavious Mamatepa said:
“This case must be given to General Mkhwanazi's team. How can Kelly Khumalo be excluded from the witnesses?”
Tebogo Tlhomedi questioned:
“But who is the mastermind behind Senzo’s killing?”
Mthandazo Ncube added:
“This case showed that the justice system itself is a joke.”
Phanuel BK Musonza said:
“Closing the case without interrogating Kelly Khumalo? I now believe what Mkwananzi said. He was definitely correct to say the judiciary, correctional service and the prosecutors are corrupt. These are clear results.”
Morena Malatji asked:
“How do you close the case without calling the eye witness, like Kelly and her mother mara? Is this some kind of a joke?
Cindy Duma Ndlovu questioned:
“Closed? Has Kelly testified?”
Boitumelo Moleko also asked:
“And why is Kelly not called to court to testify?”
Accused refuse to wear uncushioned leg irons
Briefly News reported that the trial was delayed after a complaint from two of the accused about their leg shackles.
Two of the accused refused to attend proceedings unless they were given leg irons with cushioning inside.
South Africans are annoyed with the latest delay and took to social media to express their frustrations.
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Source: Briefly News
