JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – The trial of five men accused of the shooting death of former South African football captain Senzo Meyiwa heard bombshell claims on Wednesday that it was his ex-girlfriend Kelly Nonhlanhla Khumalo who shot him “by mistake.”
The defence was cross-examining forensic expert ThaboMosia, who was forced to admit that the crime scene – Khumalo’s home in Vosloorus, a township near Johannesburg – was not properly secured, and some evidence was not collected. Police never found a shell casing for the single bullet that killed the former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper who was 27.
Advocate Malesela Teffo asked Mosia for his response to the allegation that it was Khumalo who pulled the trigger.
“I put it to you, Mr Mosia, that a witness, not just a witness, an eyewitness, will testify that Senzo Robert Meyiwa was allegedly shot by Nonhlanhla Kelly Khumalo by mistake, as it’s alleged. Do you have a response?” Teffo asked.
“I’ve no comment on that,” Mosia responded.
Five men are in the dock accused of Meyiwa’s killing on October 26, 2014. The defence says they are being framed.
Meyiwa had been visiting his musician girlfriend Khumalo at about 8PM when a single shot rang out. Among those present were Khumalo, her sister Zandile-Khumalo Gumede and Longwe Twala, son of the music legend Chicco Sello Twala.
Khumalo and others told investigators that Meyiwa had been shot by intruders, suggesting it was a botched robbery.
Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Ncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Ntuli – all of whom have extensive criminal records involving violent crime – deny Meyiwa’s murder.
Their trial continues.
