In a recent twist in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, key details have emerged, shedding light on the alleged involvement of Fisokuhle Ntuli, Mthokoziseni Maphisa Sibiya, Mthobisi Mncube, and Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya.
The accused, including Ntanzi, are facing charges related to the killing of former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa in the Pretoria high court.
The lead investigator, Brig Bongani Gininda, revealed in the Pretoria high court that Ntuli, believed to have contacted singer Kelly Khumalo weeks before Meyiwa’s murder, was allegedly the driver of the getaway car on the fatal night.
This marks the first time a state witness has placed Ntuli at the crime scene since the trial commenced.
Maphisa, another co-accused, reportedly confessed to a private individual about his involvement.
According to Gininda, this confession occurred after Maphisa sought information on the arrest of another co-accused, Bongani Ntanzi.
Ntuli, Mncube, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Ntanzi, and Maphisa, all on trial for Meyiwa’s murder, have pleaded not guilty.
The recent court proceedings focused on a trial within a trial to determine the admissibility of confessions made by Sibiya and Ntanzi, who are known as hitmen.
Gininda emphasized that evidence obtained under oath suggests Meyiwa’s fatal shooting was a “contractual assassination” rather than a botched robbery, contradicting initial claims made by occupants of the house.
The investigator outlined the alleged roles of each accused in the crime. Sibiya was linked to the murder through witness statements and a formal confession made in May 2020.
Ntanzi, identified as the person with a hoodie standing outside the house, was traced through sworn statements and an identikit compiled from witness descriptions.
Mncube, the alleged gunman, was linked through statements, co-accused confessions, and forensic evidence linking the firearm used to a previous murder for which he was serving a sentence.
The revelations also touched on Ntuli’s previous conviction in 2022 on six counts of murder by the Esikhawini regional court, leading to six life terms and 39 years in prison.
Despite being accused number five in the Meyiwa trial, Ntuli has maintained his innocence.
The trial continues to unfold with new details, prompting discussions about the complexities surrounding Meyiwa’s tragic death and the various individuals allegedly involved.
