In the ongoing murder trial of Senzo Meyiwa, Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng has taken a significant step to ensure the safety of advocate Thulani Mngomezulu.
The judge ordered the police to provide protection to Mngomezulu after two unknown men attempted to harm him at his residence. This revelation came to light during the proceedings at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Wednesday.
Following the conclusion of the day’s proceedings, Judge Mokgoatlheng addressed the court regarding the safety concerns raised by Mngomezulu. The advocate had received a disturbing message, which he believed was related to his involvement in the murder trial.
Mngomezulu informed the court that two individuals with suspicious movements had visited his home in the morning. Fortunately, Mngomezulu’s dogs barked, preventing the intruders from entering his residence.
Expressing his concern for Mngomezulu’s safety, Judge Mokgoatlheng stated, “Mngomezulu suspects that they were out to harm him, injure him, or kill him because this is what happens in South Africa… Mngomezulu is entitled to all the protection the South African police can offer him.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Defence Lawyer In Senzo Meyiwa Murder Trial Faces Attempted Murder Charge
Judge Mokgoatlheng advised Mngomezulu to lay a charge with the police so that the attempted assault on him would be officially documented. By doing so, it would be clear that an attempt had been made to harm the advocate.
During the court session, Mngomezulu also addressed the issue of an interview conducted by Kaya FM with legendary music producer Sello Chicco Twala. In the interview, Twala allegedly challenged Mngomezulu’s competency and questioned why he had been involved in the trial.
While Mngomezulu brought this matter to the court’s attention, Judge Mokgoatlheng refrained from commenting on the allegations made by Twala. Mngomezulu clarified that he wanted to inform the court about the statements made in the interview.
It is worth noting that these allegations against Mngomezulu come after his assertion that the police had fabricated evidence and framed the five murder accused.
Mngomezulu, who represents the first accused, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, requested that a statement made by Sifiso Meyiwa, the brother of the slain soccer star, be read in court.
In the statement, Sifiso implicated Twala’s son, Longwe Twala, as the shooter. According to Sifiso’s statement, Orlando Pirates boss Irvin Khoza informed him that his brother was not shot by robbers, but rather by Longwe during a fight with his then-girlfriend, Zandile Khumalo.
State prosecutor Advocate George Baloyi interjected, stating that Khoza had submitted a statement refuting Sifiso’s claims. Mngomezulu argued that submitting a statement was not the only way to refute statements in court and insisted that Khoza should be called to testify.
Mngomezulu further requested that Khoza, Twala, and Kelly Khumalo, Senzo Meyiwa’s then-girlfriend, be subpoenaed to testify in court. The advocate believes that their testimonies would shed more light on the circumstances surrounding Meyiwa’s murder.
Senzo Meyiwa, a prominent soccer player, was tragically killed while visiting his girlfriend, Kelly Khumalo, at her home in Vosloorus. Present in the house on that fateful day were Kelly, her younger sister Zandile, their mother Ntombi Khumalo (Makhumalo), Longwe, Senzo’s friends Mthokozisi Thwala and Tumelo Madlala, Kelly’s four-year-old son Christian, and their daughter Thingo.
Currently, five men, namely Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Ziphozonke Maphisa, and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli, are standing trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa.
The trial will continue on Thursday, with the court expected to hear further testimonies and evidence related to the case.
