Judge Dismisses Mthokoziseni Maphisa’s Application for Charges to Be Dropped in Senzo Meyiwa Trial

• Mthokoziseni Maphisa appeared in court on 2 September 2025 to find out if the charges against him would be dropped
• The State alleged that Maphisa was one of the lookouts when Senzo Meyiwa was killed at Kelly Khumalo's home
• His lawyer, Advocate Zithulele Nxumalo, said that the State was clutching at straws with its evidence against Maphisa

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 - Mthokoziseni Maphisa will continue to stand trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa.

Maphisa, who is accused number four in the trial into the murder of the former Bafana Bafana captain, was the only one who brought forward an application to have the charges dropped.

His lawyer, Advocate Zithulele Nxumalo, argued that the State failed to prove its case against him.

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Maphisa’s application dismissed by the judge

During his verdict on 2 September 2025, Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng stated that there was prima facie evidence that needed to be answered.

Judge Mokgoatlheng stated that the evidence presented by Constable Sizwe Zungu was not unreliable as the defence alleged.

“So I beg to differ, Advocate Nxumalo, that the evidence is unreliable, contradictory, hopeless, and that nobody can make head or tail of that evidence,” he said.

You can watch the verdict below.

Maphisa will now continue to appear alongside the other four men charged in connection with the murder. The State maintains that Maphisa was one of the men involved.

What did the State allege?

The State has alleged that Maphisa was one of the lookouts who were outside the Vosloorus home of Kelly Khumalo when the soccer star was fatally shot.

The State also argued that Maphisa was implicated by Constable Zungu. Zungu, who was a key witness, claimed to have seen Maphisa along with his co-accused at the Basotho hostel before and after Meyiwa was killed.

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Maphisa’s lawyer claims there are discrepancies in the State’s case

While presenting evidence as to why charges should be dismissed against his client, Advocate Nxumalo stated that there were discrepancies in the State’s case.

He claimed that Zungu’s evidence had inconsistencies, saying that the State was clutching at straws.

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.

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Defence to argue for charges to be dropped

Briefly News reported that on 7 August 2025, the defence planned to argue for charges to be dropped in the case.

The defence was considering the decision after the State officially wrapped up its case on the murder.

South Africans were not satisfied with the decision, as some believed that others were involved as well.

Source: Briefly News