Senzo Meyiwa Murder Trial Resumes in Pretoria Amidst Fresh Allegations and Inadmissible Confessions

Trial Resumes with Defense Witness on Stand

The highly anticipated Senzo Meyiwa murder trial has resumed in the High Court in Pretoria, South Africa, on November 17, 2025. Presiding over the proceedings is Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng. The resumption sees key defense witness Absalom Zungu, father of state witness Constable Sizwe Zungu, continuing his testimony, which has already introduced dramatic elements into the trial.

Zungu has vehemently denied ever providing a statement to the police that implicated Accused Number One, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, and Accused Number Two, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi. He claims the signature on the alleged police statement is not his and has asserted that he was misled by officers who transported him from his home without explanation. Furthermore, Zungu has made serious allegations of abduction by police and attempts by lead investigator Brigadier Bongani Gininda to influence his testimony, including offers of protection and relocation if he agreed to testify.

Confessions Ruled Inadmissible, Accused Alleges Assault

In a significant development that could impact the state's case, Judge Mokgoatlheng recently ruled on November 10, 2025, that confessions made by Muzi Sibiya and Bongani Ntanzi are inadmissible. The court found that these statements were obtained through alleged torture and assault, a major setback for the prosecution.

Adding to the contentious atmosphere, Accused Number Five, Fisokuhle Ntuli, recently claimed he was assaulted by warders at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre and denied medical treatment. These allegations led to a temporary halt in proceedings. Judge Mokgoatlheng acknowledged the complaint, ruling that any alleged assault should be addressed through litigation, allowing the trial to proceed.

Despite these challenges, Ntuli, through his lawyer, has admitted that a cellphone number that called Kelly Khumalo, Meyiwa's girlfriend at the time of his death, twice before the murder, belongs to him.

The Accused and the Long Road to Justice

Five men stand accused in connection with the 2014 murder of the former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates captain, Senzo Meyiwa. They are Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Ziphozonke Maphisa, and Sifisokuhle Ntuli. All five have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The trial, which has seen numerous delays and changes in presiding judges since Meyiwa's fatal shooting on October 26, 2014, continues to draw intense public scrutiny. The state's theory posits a botched robbery, while the defense has consistently challenged the integrity of the investigation and the validity of the prosecution's evidence, suggesting an 'inside job' or flawed police work.

The defense is expected to continue presenting its case, with further cross-examination of Absalom Zungu anticipated from multiple defense teams.