The trial of former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa is set to resume today, following a delay caused by the illness of advocate Thulani Mngomezulu in November of last year. This unfortunate circumstance led to the postponement of the proceedings for nearly two months.
The legal practitioner representing two of the accused individuals requested a postponement, which was granted by Judge Ratha Mokgauthkeng. The five accused will now appear in court to face charges related to the murder of former Bafana Bafana Captain. Additionally, investigating officer Brigadier Bongani Cininda is expected to provide testimony.
Prior to the interruption in November, Advocate Mgomezulu had raised concerns regarding the arrest warrant for accused number one, Muzi Sibiya. Despite objections, he proceeded with the cross-examination of the leading investigator, Brigadier Bongani Gininda.
Meyiwa was made captain of Orlando Pirates by coach Vladimir Vermezovic in his last four games for Pirates before his death after then club captain Lucky Lekgwathi was not playing and he was also made captain of Bafana Bafana by coach Shakes Mashaba in his last four games of 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualification.
On 26 October 2014, Meyiwa was shot and killed in a robbery at his girlfriend's, actress and singer Kelly Khumalo, house in Vosloorus. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital in Johannesburg. Three people were believed to have been involved in the shooting, and police released composite images of two suspects. One suspect, Zamokuhle Mbatha, was arrested on 31 October 2014 and appeared in court, but he was freed on 11 November 2014 due to lack of evidence. Meyiwa's death sparked outrage over the country's high crime and murder rates.
As a mark of respect, the Soweto derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, due to be played on 1 November 2014, was postponed. President Jacob Zuma mourned the loss and called for Meyiwa's killers to be found. Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter called Meyiwa's death a "senseless, tragic loss." Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas posted a picture on Instagram of Meyiwa holding Casillas' Real Madrid jersey that was exchanged when Spain played South Africa in an international friendly.
He was given a state funeral which took place in Durban, at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 1 November, his funeral was attended by his fans and friends, multitude of football fans, his football club colleagues, football officials and politician dignitaries included Premier Soccer League and Orlando Pirates chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza, Kaizer Chiefs chairman Kaizer Motaung, Mamelodi Sundowns owner Patrice Motsepe, SAFA President Dr. Danny Jordaan, General Bantu Holomisa, Bheki Cele, Former Premiers of KwaZulu-Natal S'bu Ndebele, Dr. Zweli Mkhize who was also the program director of the funeral, Minister of Sport and Recreation Fikile Mbalula, Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Senzo Mchunu, Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe who made a eulogy for Meyiwa.He was laid to rest in Chesterville, KwaZulu-Natal. During the funeral at Moses Mabhida Stadium, his father, Samuel, was photographed greeting the crowd in attendance by leaning out his car window with his arms outstretched, which sparked an internet trend.
In October 2020, five men were charged with murdering Meyiwa. The suspects denied that they were involved in the killing.
Additional information by Wikipedia.
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