The matter was postponed last Monday as the state indicated it intends to recall retired cellphone data analyst Lambertus Steyn to clear certain aspects of his testimony.

SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL RESUMES

In his testimony, Steyn told the court that accused 5 Fisokuhle Ntuli was in contact with singer and Meyiwa’s then-girlfriend Kelly Khumalo twice before the goalie was murdered.

Meyiwa was shot at Khumalo’s home in Vosloorus on 26 October 2014.

During cross-examination by advocate Charles Mnisi, Vodacom forensic supervisor Vythilingham told the court that Ntuli did not call Khumalo.

Steyn previously testified that Ntuli called Khumalo twice before Meyiwa was killed. He said Ntuli called Khumalo on 2 August 2014 and 15 October 2014. The first call was for close to two minutes, and the other was one and a half minutes. He also testified that cellphone records revealed that Khumalo was in contact with accused 1 Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya.

Vythilingham said first number does not belong to Ntuli and the second number belonged to Senzo Meyiwa.

FIVE MEN ARE ON TRIAL FOR THE MURDER

Five men are on trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa. Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli. They face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence and possession of ammunition. All five men pleaded not guilty.

WHEN DO COURT PROCEEDINGS START?

Court proceedings normally start at 10:00, adjourn at 11:15 for a tea break, run again until 13:00 for lunch and resume again at 14:00. However, due to unforeseen circumstances on a particular day, there are delays, and sometimes court adjourns for either tea or lunch earlier than the set times indicated above.

TSHWANE SANCO MARCH TO PRETORIA WEST HOSPITAL

TMPD spokesperson Isaac Mahamba said SANCO wants all projects at Pretoria West Hospital to consider hiring locals. 

The marchers will gather from 9:00 at Philip Nel Pick n Pay parking and march to Pretoria West Hospital. 

From the gathering point, the marchers will join Sytze Wierda Avenue and proceed until they reach the hospital, where they are expected to disperse at 12:00. 

The following streets will be affected:
Sytze Wierda Avenue
Morkel Street
Strause Street
Robert Cole Brown Street

Motorists can use the following alternative routes:
Transoranje Road
Percy Eagle Street
Waynand Smith Street
Gustav Schmikl Street

Mahamba said South African Police Service (SAPS) officers will also be deployed to monitor the march and all affected streets.

WILL THIS PLANNED MARCH IN TSHWANE AFFECT YOU?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.

Vodacom forensic supervisor Pinky Vythilingham wrapped up her testimony about the data obtained from the cellphones of the accused, at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Monday, 29 July.

HERE’S THE LATEST ON THE SENZO MEYIWA TRIAL

State prosecutor advocate George Baloyi told the court that they intend to bring an application for Steyn to return to the witness stand just to clarify certain aspects that came up in the cross-examination of Vythilingham.

“Colonel Steyn is currently receiving medical attention and he might not be available this week, and possibly only early next week,” Baloyi said.

The prosecutor asked for the matter to stand down until Monday, 5 August.

Additionally, should Steyn not be available, lead investigator brigadier Bongani Gininda will testify.

Meyiwa was shot and killed at Kelly Khumalo’s home in Vosloorus on 26 October 2014 and five men are on trial for his murder.

Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence and possession of ammunition

During cross-examination by advocate Charles Mnisi, Vythilingham told the court that Ntuli did not call Khumalo.

Steyn previously testified that Ntuli called Khumalo twice before Meyiwa was killed. He said Ntuli called Khumalo on 2 August 2014 and 15 October 2014. The first call was for close to two minutes, and the other was one and a half minutes. He also testified that cellphone records revealed that Khumalo was in contact with accused 1 Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya.

Vythilingham said first number does not belong to Ntuli and the second number belonged to Senzo Meyiwa.

Vythilingham has been on the witness stand at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria testifying about evidence extracted from the cellphones of the accused.

WATCH: SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL

On Thursday, court proceedings were adjourned early as defence counsel for accused 5 advocate Zandile Mshololo was not present among other reasons.

On Wednesday, under cross-examination by advocate Charles Mnisi, she told the court that Ntuli did not call Khumalo who was Meyiwa’s girlfriend at the time of his death.

Retired cellphone data analyst Colonel Lambertus Steyn previously testified that Ntuli called Khumalo twice before Meyiwa was killed on 26 October 2014.

He said Ntuli called Khumalo on 2 August 2014 and 15 October 2014. The first call was for close to two minutes, and the other was one and a half minutes. He also testified that cellphone records revealed that Khumalo was in contact with accused 1 Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya.

Vythilingham said first number does not belong to Ntuli and the second number belonged to Senzo Meyiwa.

FIVE MEN ARE ON TRIAL FOR THE MURDER

Five men are on trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa. Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli. They face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence and possession of ammunition. All five men pleaded not guilty.

WHEN DO COURT PROCEEDINGS START?

Court proceedings normally start at 10:00, adjourn at 11:15 for a tea break, run again until 13:00 for lunch and resume again at 14:00. However, due to unforeseen circumstances on a particular day, there are delays, and sometimes court adjourns for either tea or lunch earlier than the set times indicated above.

This was revealed by Vodacom forensic supervisor Pinky Vythilingham at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria. She is under cross-examination.

WATCH: SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL

Vythilingham has been on the stand for quite some time testifying about cellphone data evidence obtained from the five accused.

On Wednesday, under cross-examination by advocate Charles Mnisi, she told the court that Ntuli did not call Khumalo who was Meyiwa’s girlfriend at the time of his death.

Retired cellphone data analyst Colonel Lambertus Steyn previously testified that Ntuli called Khumalo twice before Meyiwa was killed on 26 October 2014.

He said Ntuli called Khumalo on 2 August 2014 and 15 October 2014. The first call was for close to two minutes, and the other was one and a half minutes. He also testified that cellphone records revealed that Khumalo was in contact with accused 1 Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya.

Vythilingham said first number does not belong to Ntuli and the second number belonged to Senzo Meyiwa.

FIVE MEN ARE ON TRIAL FOR THE MURDER

Five men are on trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa. Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli. They face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence and possession of ammunition. All five men pleaded not guilty.

WHEN DO COURT PROCEEDINGS START?

Court proceedings normally start at 10:00, adjourn at 11:15 for a tea break, run again until 13:00 for lunch and resume again at 14:00. However, due to unforeseen circumstances on a particular day, there are delays, and sometimes court adjourns for either tea or lunch earlier than the set times indicated above.

Vodacom forensic supervisor, Pinky Vythilingham is under cross-examination by the defence following her testimony about about the evidence obtained from the cellphones of the accused.

WATCH: SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL CONTINUES

Meyiwa was shot and killed at the home of his then-girlfriend and singer Kelly Khumalo in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni, on 26 October 2014 in what was initially thought to be a botched robbery.

Kelly, her sister Zandile and Meyiwa’s close friends Mthokozisi Twala and Tumelo Madlala were among the eyewitnesses and have also testified in the ongoing trial.

FIVE MEN ARE ON TRIAL FOR THE MURDER

Five men are on trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa. Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli. They face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence and possession of ammunition. All five men pleaded not guilty.

WHEN DO COURT PROCEEDINGS START?

Court proceedings normally start at 10:00, adjourn at 11:15 for a tea break, run again until 13:00 for lunch and resume again at 14:00. However, due to unforeseen circumstances on a particular day, there are delays, and sometimes court adjourns for either tea or lunch earlier than the set times indicated above.

DO YOU THINK JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED FOR SENZO MEYIWA?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing The South African. You can also send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021. Remember to follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.

Vodacom forensic supervisor, Pinky Vythilingham, had been on the witness stand testifying before the month-long court recess.

WATCH: SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL

In her testimony, Vythilingam has told the court about a section 205 procedure she did on accused three Mthobisi Mncube’s phone, which showed all calls made and received by the number, when and where they were made.

Vythilingam also told the court that a SIM swap was done on Meyiwa’s phone just hours after his death. 

Meyiwa was shot and killed at the home of his then-girlfriend and singer Kelly Khumalo in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni, on 26 October 2014. Kelly’s sister Zandile and Meyiwa’s close friends Mthokozisi Twala and Tumelo Madlala were among the eyewitnesses and have also testified in the ongoing trial.

FIVE MEN ARE ON TRIAL FOR THE MURDER

Five men are on trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa. Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli. They face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence and possession of ammunition. All five men pleaded not guilty.

WHEN DO COURT PROCEEDINGS START?

Court proceedings normally start at 10:00, adjourn at 11:15 for a tea break, run again until 13:00 for lunch and resume again at 14:00. However, due to unforeseen circumstances on a particular day, there are delays, and sometimes court adjourns for either tea or lunch earlier than the set times indicated above.

Le Grange appeared in court following his arrest on Wednesday morning. The Serious Economic Offences unit arrested him. 

FORMER STEINHOFF CFO ANDRIES LE GRANGE ARRESTED

Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale said Le Grange was arrested for two counts of racketeering under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, five counts of fraud, one count of corruption under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, and three counts of contravention of the Financial Markets Act in relation to the Steinhoff investigation.

Mogale said Le Grange appeared alongside his co-accused, Stephanus Johannes Grobler, 74, the former Head of Treasury. 

As previously reported, Grobler was arrested on 22 March and appeared in court on 25 March, where he was granted R150 000. 

Before Steinhoff’s liquidation in October last year, the company reportedly demanded that Grobler pay back close to R300 million in salaries, bonuses and incentives.

“Today, he appeared again for a postponement and review of his bail conditions. Le Grange was also granted R150 000 bail with conditions, and both will appear again in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 4 October,” Mogale added.

FSCA INVESTIGATION CONTINUES DESPITE DEATH OF MARKUS JOOSTE

Markus Jooste was the mastermind behind the Steinhoff scandal, South Africa’s most prominent corporate fraud. He reportedly committed suicide in Hermanus, Cape Town, on Thursday, 21 March.

Following the alleged death, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) said the investigation into Steinhoff will continue as other investigating parties are involved. 

The Authority said it will also continue to assist the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) with any investigations they may have underway. 

“As the penalty on the late Mr Jooste in his personal capacity was already imposed at the time of his death, his passing does not impact on the penalty. 

“The FSCA is legally entitled to recover the penalty from the estate of the late Mr Jooste. Whether the Authority will claim against the estate will be decided at the appropriate time, considering all the relevant circumstances.”

The incident happened on Monday, 24 June. 

PATIENT KILLED IN DR GEORGE MUKHARI HOSPITAL FIRE 

City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department spokesperson Charles Mabaso said they were notified of the incident at approximately 18:44 and immediately dispatched firefighting resources to the incident. 

Mabaso said firefighters arrived on the scene to find that the hospital staff had already extinguished the fire in a single isolation ward using portable fire extinguishers. 

“A female patient aged 35 years suffered burns inside the ward and unfortunately lost her life. She was declared dead by a medical doctor on the scene. A total of 19 female patients were safely evacuated to another psychiatric ward with no injuries. Firefighters conducted positive pressure ventilation to rid the ward of excessive smoke,” he explained. 

Mabaso said the cause of the fire is not yet known, and the scene was handed over to the South African Police Services (SAPS). 

GAUTENG HEALTH SENDS CONDOLENCES 

The Gauteng Department of Health said the deceased female patient was admitted at Dr George Mukhari Hospital on 20 June. She was placed in a seclusion room on Monday as part of her prescribed treatment. 

“The Department wishes to extend our deepest condolences to the patient’s family as they mourn the sudden passing of their daughter. Both the bereaved family and the families of the 17 patients will be taken through a debriefing. Counselling services will also be made available to them,” Gauteng Health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said.

In its draft budget for the 2024 financial year, the municipality proposed 12% tariff increase on electricity and a 5.9% increase on water.

CITY OF TSHWANE CONFIRMS TARIFF HIKES

Following a 12.8% Eskom electricity tariff increase earlier this April, Some metro municipalities are staring down above-inflation increases in municipal tariffs, proposed for implementation on 1 July 2024.

The City of Tshwane said the proposed 12% for electricity is inline with the guideline for the bulk purchase increase from Eskom. The hike was granted by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) in December 2023.

In the draft budget, the City of Tshwane has proposed the tariff hikes as follows:

• Electricity – 12%
• Water – 5.9%
• Sanitation – 5.9%
• Refuse collection – 5%
• Property rates – 5%

The metro municipality said all indigenous households are granted 100 kWh free of charge. However, all properties with a value of R150 000 or less will automatically qualify for free basic services.

Here are official increases:

• Electricity – 12%
• Water – 5.9%
• Sanitation – 5.9%
• Refuse collection – 5%
• Property rates – 5%

PROPOSED INCREMENTS IN THE CITY OF JOHANNESBURG

The neighbouring City of Johannesburg’s proposed tariff increases are as follows:

• Rates: +4.8%
• Electricity: +11.3%
• Water: +7.7%
• Sewer: +7.7%
• Pikitup: +5.9%
• City Power Service & Capacity Charges: +16.74%.
• Sewer Charges: Flats are now classed as multi-dwellings. Multi-dwellings under R700 000 value charged R314.68 per unit. Over R700 000 is R612.58 per unit.

The load reduction is implemented between 18:00 and 22:00 daily in areas that are supplied by the Soshanguve 132/11kv substation. 

CITY OF TSHWANE CONTINUES TO IMPLEMENT LOAD REDUCTION

The metro municipality said inclement weather has resulted in a sharp increase in electricity demand and the available grid is unable to cope with the strain. 

“The move to implement load reduction in Soshanguve was informed by the current status of the 132/11kv substation which is experiencing power overload as a result of illegal connections,” the City of Tshwane said. 

Here are the affected areas:

Monday – Block V, T and W

Tuesday – Block KK, SS and X

Wednesday – Block S, X- Buffer A and B

Thursday – Block R and KK

Friday – Block T, V and R

Saturday – Block KK and R

Sunday – Block W, R, X, X-Buffer A and B

ILLEGAL CONNECTIONS ARE THE MAIN CONTRIBUTING FACTOR

The City of Tshwane has also asked residents to report illegal connections. 

“The option of load reduction has an advantage to consumers in that it prevents extended and unplanned power outages, which could last for days, as the electrical protection schemes are bound to trip if overloading is not managed. It also saves the city from incurring unnecessary costs which might come as a result of extensive damages to the substation,” the municipality said. 

In addition, the City of Tshwane defended its decision saying due to the vulnerability of the substation mentioned earlier, it had two options; to either leave the feeders to trip on their own (this would have resulted in two secondary substations being off and 80% of Jukulyn losing power) or to allow the region to manage the load reduction.

City of Tshwane technicians will monitor the performance of the grid and may increase or reduce the number of areas affected when it becomes necessary.

“The city will communicate the following week’s load reduction schedule every Friday to keep the affected consumers updated at all times.”

The maintenance is scheduled from 18:00 on Monday, 17 June, until 6:00 on Tuesday, 18 June. 

RAND WATER UPGRADES IN THE CITY OF TSHWANE 

The City of Tshwane said Rand Water would replace and upgrade some of the bulk water metres that supply various reservoirs in the metro’s regions. 

The municipality said that, where possible, the affected reservoirs will be filled to capacity before maintenance. However, water supply may be interrupted during the upkeep period. 

The following areas might be affected by the interruption:

• Christoburg (all extensions)
• Claudius (all extensions)
• Erasmia(all extensions)
• Franspoort 
• Gem Valley ext 1
• Glenway Estate 
• Laudium (all extensions)
• Leeuwfontein
• Mahube Valley (all extensions)
• Mamelodi (all extensions)
• Mooiplaats
• Nooitgedacht 
• Pienaarspoort
• Pienaarspoort ext 2
• Pretoria Town 
• Pretoria Townlands

The City of Tshwane also apologised for the inconvenience that may be encountered due to the Rand Water maintenance work.

METRO AND DWS SIGN COLLABORATIVE AGREEMENT

Earlier this week, the City of Tshwane took significant steps to tackle its water and sanitation challenges by formalising partnerships with key stakeholders.

Among these partners, the National Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is playing a pivotal role, offering both regulatory oversight and technical and financial resources to address issues such as the Hennops River pollution, the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works, and staffing shortages.

Tshwane City Manager Johann Mettler and Deputy Director-General for Water and Sanitation Services Dr. Risimati Mathye signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Tshwane House.

This agreement outlines a collaboration on various strategic areas, including infrastructure planning, water resource management, and capacity building for municipal officials. Additionally, the MoU aims to leverage the strengths of both entities to develop effective solutions for the city’s pressing water and sanitation issues.

Mathye said they are pleased by the will and zeal shown by the city in ensuring collaborative efforts.

“Addressing our major water challenges requires a joint effort between the city and key water stakeholders, with the DWS being a key player,” Mathye added.

In addition, a flagship engineering candidacy development program is in advanced stages of discussion. This initiative will involve the secondment of candidate engineers and professional engineers to Tshwane for three years.

The DWS will provide free mentorship through its database of mentors to help these engineers obtain professional registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). Also, this program is expected to enhance the city’s compliance with new ECSA Identification of Engineering Work Regulations.

ROAD CLOSURES AROUND THE UNION BUILDINGS 

The Presidential inauguration is expected to be attended by Cyril Ramaphosa, the president-elect of the Republic of South Africa, foreign heads of State, invited guests, and members of the public.

Ramaphosa was duly elected during the first sitting of the National Assembly at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Friday, 14 June. 

His re-election follows in the footsteps of Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma, who were also two-term presidents. However, Mbeki and Zuma did not complete their terms as both were recalled before completing their tenures.

Ramaphosa’s re-election as president also comes on the back of a coalition announcement between the ANC and Democratic Alliance.

Road Closures around the Union Buildings will be implemented from 3:00 on Wednesday, 19 June, until 6:00 on Thursday, 20 June. 

• Gordon Road and Stanza Bopape Street
• Jan Shoba Street and Stanza Bopape Street
• Grosvenor Street and Stanza Bopape Street
• Hilda Street and Stanza Bopape Street
• Festival Street and Stanza Bopape Street
• Athlone Street and Stanza Bopape Street
• Hill Street and Stanza Bopape Street
• Orient Street and Stanza Bopape Street
• Balmoral Street and Stanza Bopape Street
• Lisdogan Avenue and Stanza Bopape Street
• Farenden Street and Stanza Bopape Street
• East Avenue and Stanza Bopape Street
• Beckett Street and Stanza Bopape Street
• Pine Street and Stanza Bopape Street
• Blackwood Street and Stanza Bopape Street
• Johan Street and Stanza Bopape Street
• Wessels Street and Stanza Bopape Street
• Madiba Street and Stanza Bopape Street
• Lydes-Zeederberg Street and Stanza Bopape Street
• Hamilton Street and Stanza Bopape Street
• Steve Biko Street and Stanza Bopape Street
• Steve Biko Street and Stanza Bopape Street
• Dumbarton Road and Stanza Bopape Street
• Dumbarton Road and Harcourt Street
• Dumbarton Road and Nassau Street
• Madiba Street and Government Avenue
• Edmond Street and Government Avenue
• Balmoral Avenue and Government Avenue
• Tom Jenkins Drive and Soutpansberg Road
• Tom Jenkins Drive and Russel Street
• Tom Jenkins Drive next to Governor’s house
• East Avenue and Government Avenue
• Beckett Street and Government Avenue
• Pine Street and Government Avenue
• Blackwood Street and Government Avenue
• North Street
• Soutpansberg Road
• Van Der Merwe Street
• Nuffield Street

WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVE ROUTES? 

• Pretorius Street
• Park Street
• Du Toit Street
• Greef Street
• Frederika Street
• Justice Mahomed Street

Vythilingam has been testifying about the cellphone records of the accused at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.

SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL CONTINUES

Vythilingam has been testifying about a section 205 procedure she did on accused three Mthobisi Mncube’s phone, which shows all calls made and received by the number, when and where they were made.

On Wednesday, she told the court about communication between Mncube and accused 5 Fisokuhle Ntuli before and after Meyiwa was murdered.

Meyiwa was shot and killed at the home of his then-girlfriend and singer Kelly Khumalo in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni, on 26 October 2014. Kelly’s sister Zandile and Meyiwa’s close friends Mthokozisi Twala and Tumelo Madlala were among the eyewitnesses and have also testified in the ongoing trial.

Last Tuesday, Vythilingam told the court that a SIM swap was done on Meyiwa’s phone just hours after his death. Additionally, 63 successful calls were made using the swapped card.

Vythilingam said that somebody did the sim swap on 27 October 2014 at Cellucity at the Benmore Gardens Shopping Centre. 

Interestingly, the newly swapped card was used in former Kaizer Chiefs footballer David Mathebula’s handset.

FIVE MEN ARE ON TRIAL FOR THE MURDER

Five men are on trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa. Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli. They face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence and possession of ammunition. All five men pleaded not guilty.

WHEN DO COURT PROCEEDINGS START?

Court proceedings normally start at 10:00, adjourn at 11:15 for a tea break, run again until 13:00 for lunch and resume again at 14:00. However, due to unforeseen circumstances on a particular day, there are delays, and sometimes court adjourns for either tea or lunch earlier than the set times indicated above.

Vythilingam took to the stand at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria after she couldn’t continue with her testimony on two occasions due to ill health.

SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL

On Tuesday, Vythilingam revealed that cellphone data indicated that accused 3 Mthobisi Mncube and accused 5 Fisokuhle Ntuli were around the George Goch Hostel in Johannesburg around 17:00 on 26 October 2014.

Meyiwa was shot and killed at the home of his girlfriend and artist Kelly Khumalo in Vosloorus on 26 October 2014.

The five men on trial previously told the court that they do not know each other and only met in court for the first time.

At the same time, in 2023, retired cellphone data analyst Colonel Lambertus Steyn testified about how they were able to link all the five accused based on calls between each other before Meyiwa was murdered.

Last Tuesday, Vythilingam told the court that a SIM swap was done Meyiwa’s phone just hours after his death. Additionally, 63 successful calls were made using the swapped card.

Vythilingam said that somebody did the sim swap on 27 October 2014 at Cellucity at the Benmore Gardens Shopping Centre. 

Interestingly, the new swapped card was used in former Kaizer Chiefs footballer David Mathebula’s handset.

The court also heard that eight calls were made between David Mathebula’s phone and Kelly Khumalo. However, it was not clear who made the calls as they were all “call forwards”, meaning they were not picked up because the phone was off or the other phone had no signal.

Additionally, there were over 100 calls made between some of the accused.

FIVE MEN ARE ON TRIAL FOR THE MURDER

Five men are on trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa. Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli. They face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence and possession of ammunition. All five men pleaded not guilty.

WHEN DO COURT PROCEEDINGS START?

Court proceedings normally start at 10:00, adjourn at 11:15 for a tea break, run again until 13:00 for lunch and resume again at 14:00. However, due to unforeseen circumstances on a particular day, there are delays, and sometimes court adjourns for either tea or lunch earlier than the set times indicated above.

Vythilingam could not continue with her testimony for two days at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria due to illness.

WHAT IS THE LATEST IN THE SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL?

Last Tuesday, Vythilingam told the court that a SIM swap was done Meyiwa’s phone a day after his death. Additionally, 63 successful calls were made using the swapped card.

Vythilingam said that somebody did the sim swap on 27 October 2014 at Cellucity at the Benmore Gardens Shopping Centre. 

The name of the retail agent who facilitated the process was also provided in court. However, when questioned by state prosecutor Ronnie Sibanda, Vythilingam was unable to say who requested the swap, the SABC reported.

In 2023, retired cellphone data analyst Colonel Lambertus Steyn told the court that the person who could have done the SIM swap was someone close to Meyiwa and who would’ve been in possession of his ID. He further explained that they were able to link all the five accused based on calls between each other before Meyiwa was murdered.

Meyiwa’s close friend Mthokozisi Thwala said his then-girlfriend Kelly Khumalo was in possession of some of Meyiwa’s personal belongings including his ID. Thwala also told the court that Khumalo had refused to hand over the late goalkeeper’s ID and his family was escorted by police to fetch it.

The forensic supervisor also testified that the swapped card was inserted and used on former soccer star David Mathebula’s cellphone. Mathebula had reportedly called Khumalo eight times the day Senzo Meyiwa was murdered.

FIVE MEN ARE ON TRIAL FOR THE MURDER

Five men are on trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa. Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli. They face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence and possession of ammunition. All five men pleaded not guilty.

WHEN DO COURT PROCEEDINGS START?

Court proceedings normally start at 10:00, adjourn at 11:15 for a tea break, run again until 13:00 for lunch and resume again at 14:00. However, due to unforeseen circumstances on a particular day, there are delays, and sometimes court adjourns for either tea or lunch earlier than the set times indicated above.

The matter hit a snag on Wednesday as Vythilingam was unwell. She has been testifying at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria about a SIM swap that was done on Meyiwa’s phone a day after his murder.

SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL CONTINUES

On Wednesday, the state indicated that Vythilingam cannot continue with her testimony as scheduled because her voice was hoarse.

Apart from the witness feeling unwell, other defence lawyers were not in court on Wednesday and had asked another legal representative to stand in for them.

On Tuesday, Vythilingam told the court that a SIM swap was done Meyiwa’s phone a day after his death. Additionally, 63 successful calls were made using the swapped card.

Vythilingam said that somebody did the sim swap on 27 October 2014 at Cellucity in Benmore Gardens Shopping Centre. 

The name of the retail agent who facilitated the process was also provided in court. However, when questioned by state prosecutor Ronnie Sibanda, Vythilingam was unable to say who requested the swap, the SABC reported.

In 2023, retired cellphone data analyst Colonel Lambertus Steyn told the court that the person who could have done the SIM swap was someone close to Meyiwa and who would’ve been in possession of his ID. He further explained that they were able to link all the five accused based on calls between each other before Meyiwa was murdered.

Meyiwa’s close friend Mthokozisi Thwala said his then-girlfriend Kelly Khumalo was in possession of some of Meyiwa’s personal belongings including his ID. Thwala also told the court that Khumalo had refused to hand over the late goalkeeper’s ID and his family was escorted by police to fetch it.

FIVE MEN ARE ON TRIAL FOR THE MURDER

Five men are on trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa. Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli. They face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence and possession of ammunition. All five men pleaded not guilty.

WHEN DO COURT PROCEEDINGS START?

Court proceedings normally start at 10:00, adjourn at 11:15 for a tea break, run again until 13:00 for lunch and resume again at 14:00. However, due to unforeseen circumstances on a particular day, there are delays, and sometimes court adjourns for either tea or lunch earlier than the set times indicated above.

Vythilingam has been testifying in the trial of the five men charged with the murder of the soccer star at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.

WATCH: SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL

On Tuesday, 4 May, Vythilingam told the court that a SIM swap was done Meyiwa’s phone a day after his death. Additionally, 63 successful calls were made using the swapped card.

Vythilingam said that somebody did the sim swap on 27 October 2014 at Cellucity in Benmore Gardens Shopping Centre. 

The name of the retail agent who facilitated the process was also provided in court. However, Vythilingam when questioned by state prosecutor Ronnie Sibanda, was unable to say who requested the swap, the SABC reported.

Retired cellphone data analyst Colonel Lambertus Styen previously told the court in 2023 how they were able to link all the five accused based on calls between each other before Meyiwa was murdered. Based on this, police were then able to establish that all the five accused seemingly knew each other.

Furthermore, Steyn said Senzo Meyiwa received a call after 22:00 on the same night of the incident while at Botshelong Hospital (based on a nearby cellphone tower). He was rushed to the hospital after he was shot, indicating that the phone was with him at the hospital. 

FIVE MEN ARE ON TRIAL FOR THE MURDER

Five men are on trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa. Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli. They face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence and possession of ammunition. All five men pleaded not guilty.

WHEN DO COURT PROCEEDINGS START?

Court proceedings normally start at 10:00, adjourn at 11:15 for a tea break, run again until 13:00 for lunch and resume again at 14:00. However, due to unforeseen circumstances on a particular day, there are delays, and sometimes court adjourns for either tea or lunch earlier than the set times indicated above.

Vythilingam revealed this as she continued with her testimony in the trial of the five men charged with Meyiwa’s murder at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria. 

SIM SWAP DONE ON SENZO MEYIWA’S PHONE AFTER HIS DEATH

Meyiwa was shot and killed at the home of his girlfriend and singer, Kelly Khumalo, on 26 October 2014 in Vosloorus. Initially, it alleged a botched robbery. However, police evidence indicates that it was a planned assassination.  

On Tuesday, Vythilingam said that somebody did the sim swap on 27 October 2014 at Cellucity in Benmore Gardens. 

Retired cellphone data analyst Colonel Lambertus Styen previously told the court in 2023 how they were able to link all the five accused based on calls between each other before Meyiwa was murdered. Based on this, police were then able to establish that all the five accused seemingly knew each other.

Furthermore, Steyn said Meyiwa received a call after 22:00 on the same night of the incident while at Botshelong Hospital (based on a nearby cellphone tower). He was rushed to the hospital after he was shot, indicating that the phone was with him at the hospital. 

This contradicts the testimony of the first State witness and Kelly’s sister, Zandile Khumalo, who said that they found Meyiwa’s phone in the kitchen when they returned from Botshelong Hospital on the day of the incident. 

HOW DOES DAVID MATHEBULA FEATURE? 

During his testimony, Steyn also told the court how Khumalo was in contact with retired footballer David Mathebula following Meyiwa’s murder.

The Empini hitmaker, whose phone was reportedly stolen when Meyiwa was shot, was in the vicinity of a hostel in Vosloorus around 22:43 the same night.

Steyn further revealed the new SIM card was used in former Kaizer Chiefs footballer David Mathebula’s handset.

Steyn found that eight calls were made between David Mathebula’s phone and Kelly Khumalo, he however said it could be an old phone in which they had inserted the SIM card. He also told the court he could not say who was making the calls as they were all “call forwards”, meaning they were not picked up because the phone was off or the other phone had no signal.

FIVE MEN ARE ON TRIAL FOR THE MURDER

Five men are on trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa. Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli. They face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence and possession of ammunition. All five men pleaded not guilty

Gouws has been testifying at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria about data extracted from the cellphones of the accused.

SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL CONTINUES

On Thursday, the defence disputed that accused three Mthobisi Prince Mncube contacted singer Kelly Khumalo the day Meyiwa was murdered.

Meyiwa was shot and killed at Khumalo’s home in Vosloorus on 26 October 2014 in what was initially thought to be a botched robbery. The two were dating at the time and have a child together.

The State is adamant that Mncube did contact the Asine hitmaker as she used multiple cellphone numbers at the time.

Last week, during the cross-examination led by the legal representative of accused four, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, advocate Zithulele Nxumalo, Gouws disclosed that Maphisa contacted accused one, Muzikawukhalelwa Sibiya, on 14 occasions.

Furthermore, Gouws revealed that Maphisa contacted accused five Fisokuhle Ntuli on over 100 occasions. This also comprised of 125 direct calls and SMSs.

Additionally, accused four directly contacted accused three, Mthobisi Mncube, at least 20 times.

FIVE MEN ON TRIAL FOR MURDER

Five men are on trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa. The men are Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli.

The men face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence, and possession of ammunition. All five pleaded not guilty.

WHEN DO COURT PROCEEDINGS START?

Court proceedings normally start at 10:00, adjourn at 11:15 for a tea break, run again until 13:00 for lunch and resume again at 14:00. However, due to unforeseen circumstances on a particular day, there are delays, and sometimes court adjourns for either tea or lunch earlier than the set times indicated above.

Gouws has been testifying about data extracted from the cellphone records of accused two Bongani Ntanzi and accused five Fisokuhle Ntuli.

WATCH: SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL

As previously reported, Meyiwa was shot at the home of his girlfriend and artist, Kelly Khumalo, in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni on 26 October 2014. Initially, this was thought to be a botched robbery; however, police say evidence indicates that Meyiwa’s murder was a hit.

Last week, during the cross-examination led by the legal representative of accused four, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, advocate Zithulele Nxumalo, Gouws disclosed that Maphisa contacted accused one, Muzikawukhalelwa Sibiya, on 14 occasions.

Furthermore, Gouws revealed that Maphisa contacted accused five Fisokuhle Ntuli on over 100 occasions. This also comprised of 125 direct calls and SMSs.

Additionally, accused four directly contacted accused three, Mthobisi Mncube, at least 20 times.

The accused reportedly communicated between 2018 and 2021.

These revelations contradict the testimonies of the five accused, who claimed that they did not know one another and only met in court for the first time.

FIVE MEN ON TRIAL FOR MURDER

Five men are on trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa. The men are Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli.

The men face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence, and possession of ammunition. All five pleaded not guilty.

WHEN DO COURT PROCEEDINGS START?

Court proceedings normally start at 10:00, adjourn at 11:15 for a tea break, run again until 13:00 for lunch and resume again at 14:00. However, due to unforeseen circumstances on a particular day, there are delays, and sometimes court adjourns for either tea or lunch earlier than the set times indicated above.

Gouws has been testifying about data extracted from the cellphone records of accused two Bongani Ntanzi and accused five Fisokuhle Ntuli.

WATCH: SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL

As previously reported, Meyiwa was shot at the home of his girlfriend and artist, Kelly Khumalo, in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni on 26 October 2014. Initially, this was thought to be a botched robbery; however, police say evidence indicates that Meyiwa’s murder was a hit.

On Tuesday, Gouws told the court that all the five accused had communicated before and did so on the day Meyiwa was killed.

Last week, during the cross-examination led by the legal representative of accused four, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, advocate Zithulele Nxumalo, Gouws disclosed that Maphisa contacted accused one, Muzikawukhalelwa Sibiya, on 14 occasions.

Furthermore, Gouws revealed that Maphisa contacted accused five Fisokuhle Ntuli on over 100 occasions. This also comprised of 125 direct calls and SMSs.

Additionally, accused four directly contacted accused three, Mthobisi Mncube, at least 20 times.

The accused reportedly communicated between 2018 and 2021.

These revelations contradict the testimonies of the five accused, who claimed that they did not know one another and only met in court for the first time.

FIVE MEN ON TRIAL FOR MURDER

Five men are on trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa. The men are Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli.

The men face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence, and possession of ammunition. All five pleaded not guilty.

WHEN DO COURT PROCEEDINGS START?

Court proceedings normally start at 10:00, adjourn at 11:15 for a tea break, run again until 13:00 for lunch and resume again at 14:00. However, due to unforeseen circumstances on a particular day, there are delays, and sometimes court adjourns for either tea or lunch earlier than the set times indicated above.

Cellphone data analyst Lieutenant Colonel Gideon Gouws is still under cross-examination at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.

SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL CONTINUES

On Thursday, 16 May, Ntuli admitted that the number that contacted singer and Meyiwa’s then girlfriend Kelly Khumalo twice in 2014 belonged to him. On the other hand, he denied communicating with the other accused before Meyiwa was killed on 26 October 2014.

In July 2022, SAPS officer Colonel Lambertus Steyn testified that Ntuli called Khumalo on two occasions on 2 August 2014 and 15 October 2014. He said the first call was for close to two minutes, and the other was one and a half minutes.

Ntuli is a well-known hitman linked to six murders in KwaZulu-Natal and was sentenced to six life terms and 39 years in January 2022.

Furthermore, in January, lead investigator Brigadier Bongani Gininda revealed that the Asine hitmaker ordered the hit on Senzo Meyiwa. Gininda was under cross-examination in the trial within the trial.

FIVE MEN ARE ON TRIAL FOR THE MURDER

Five men are on trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa. The men are; Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli.

The men face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence, and possession of ammunition. All five pleaded not guilty.

WHEN DO COURT PROCEEDINGS START?

Court proceedings normally start at 10:00, adjourn at 11:15 for a tea break and run again until 13:00 for lunch and resume again at 14:00. However, due to unforeseen circumstances on a particular day, there are delays, and sometimes court adjourns for either tea or lunch earlier than the set times indicated above.

The five-year-old was allegedly shot by suspects who ambushed his father as he entered their home on Friday, 10 May.

BREAKTHROUGH IN DITEBOGO PHALANE MURDER CASE

As previously reported by The South African, South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson in Gauteng Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said they have opened a case of murder and hijacking and are searching for the suspects.

“An unconfirmed number of armed suspects allegedly hijacked the father’s white Toyota bakkie and shot the five-year-old boy who later died in hospital,” Masondo said.

On Thursday, 16 May, police national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that police arrested two suspects in connection with the case.

“The vehicle used during the hijacking incident has been seized. A car jamming device, a firearm and a stolen vehicle was found in their possession,” Mathe said.

REWARD OFFERED

The murder of Ditebogo Phalane sparked outrage on social media platforms. Many have called on government to consider bringing back the death penalty as there is a surge in violent crime in the country.

Following the unfortunate incident, Patriotic Aalliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to offer a R250 000 reward.

“I will be giving a 250 thousand rand reward to anyone with information of the guilty party. Pls DM me personally here on twitter. We must find them. I know someone knows who is responsible,” he wrote.

FAMILY SPOKESPERSON EXPLAINS WHAT HAPPENED

Speaking to TimesLIVE, family spokesperson Gift Makoti said the father rushed his son to the nearest hospital and unfortunately the five-year-old boy was declared dead.

“He does say that the child was unresponsive when he took him to the hospital, hoping he would get help. The hospital could not save the boy and he was declared dead. At the moment the family is deeply distraught because it’s a young couple, they are in a state of shock and overwhelmed,” Makoti told the publication.

The matter hit a snag in the last three proceedings due to missing documents (cellphone records) of the accused that the State ought to have provided the defence lawyers.

WATCH: SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL

The defence is expected to cross-examine cellphone data analyst Lieutenant Colonel Gideon Gouws when the matter resumes following a disagreement in the last three proceedings over the cellphone records.

The defence lawyers accused the State of withholding certain information and ambushing them during proceedings.

Speaking to the SABC legal expert Melusi Xulu said the defence should have received their documents before the trial began, that is why there is a pre-trial conference where all the documents and witnesses that are used by the State are given to defense to say this is the information, evidence we have during the court trial.

“That is why we need to focus on Section 35, which says every accused has the right to challenge every evidence and he or she must be given on time. My concern is this trial started de nova- it started afresh, these documents should have been made available in the first trial,” Xulu told the public broadcaster.

FIVE MEN ARE ON TRIAL FOR THE MURDER

Five men are on trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa. The men are; Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli.

The men face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence, and possession of ammunition. All five pleaded not guilty.

WHEN DO COURT PROCEEDINGS START?

Court proceedings normally start at 10:00, adjourn at 11:15 for a tea break and run again until 13:00 for lunch and resume again at 14:00. However, due to unforeseen circumstances on a particular day, there are delays, and sometimes court adjourns for either tea or lunch earlier than the set times indicated above.

The bodies were discovered on Tuesday, 14 May, as EMS teams tried to rescue a man who had fallen to a basement of the building through a lift shaft.

TSHWANE EMS DISCOVER TWO BODIES 

Tshwane Emergency Services Department spokesperson Charles Mabaso said they were initially notified of a building on fire at the corners of Bosman and Pretorius streets. However, upon arrival at the scene, firefighters found that the GPG building was not on fire. Instead, a man had fallen to the basement through a lift shaft.

Mabaso said the police at the scene requested emergency services personnel to assist with lights and provide access to the victim. 

Eventually, emergency services cut an opening in a steel door of the basement garage and used a stepladder to access the injured victim. 

“The male patient was rescued, treated, and transported to hospital in a stable condition,” Mabaso said. 

Upon further investigation of the scene, firefighters discovered two decomposed bodies floating in the water in a lift shaft. 

“The South African Police Services (SAPS) immediately declared the scene a crime scene. Emergency Services, however, remained on the scene to assist with the recovery of the two bodies under the Command of the SAPS. The cause of the death of the two victims and the injured are under police investigation,” Mabaso added. 

MAN STONED TO DEATH AFTER CORPSE OF MISSING YOUNG GIRL FOUND IN HIS HOUSE

In a separate incident, a 39-year-old man was stoned to death by community members after the body of a missing 13-year-old girl was found in his house.

Kabelo Maltji had reportedly left home on Friday, 24 March, intending to attend extra classes at a nearby school but never returned home.

Relatives and surrounding villages then conducted an immediate search for the victim without success. Days later, the decomposing body of Kabelo was found inside the house of the 39-year-old male victim, identified as Calbin Mohlala, after an unpleasant odour was detected by neighbours who immediately informed the police.

Upon arrival, police forced entry and found the teenager’s decomposed body and a murder case was opened at Driekop Police Station.

Afterwards, the community members mobilised to locate the man in whose house the body was found. He was discovered while hiding in the same village and stoned to death.

The matter was postponed to grant the defence time to go through cellphone records of the accused dating back to 2018.

SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL TO RESUME

The defence is expected to cross-examine cellphone data analyst Colonel Gideon Gouws when the matter resumes following a disagreement in the last three proceedings over the cellphone records.

The defence accused the State of withholding certain information and ambushing them during proceedings.

Speaking to the SABC legal expert Melusi Xulu said the defence should have received their documents before the trial began, that is why there is a pre-trial conference where all the documents and witnesses that are used by the State are given to defense to say this is the information, evidence we have during the court trial.

“That is why we need to focus on Section 35, which says every accused has the right to challenge every evidence and he or she must be given on time. My concern is this trial started de nova- it started afresh, these documents should have been made available in the first trial,” Xulu told the public broadcaster.

FIVE MEN ARE ON TRIAL FOR THE MURDER

Five men are on trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa. The men are; Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli.

The men face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence, and possession of ammunition. All five pleaded not guilty.

WHEN DO COURT PROCEEDINGS START?

Court proceedings normally start at 10:00, adjourn at 11:15 for a tea break and run again until 13:00 for lunch and resume again at 14:00. However, due to unforeseen circumstances on a particular day, there are delays, and sometimes court adjourns for either tea or lunch earlier than the set times indicated above.

The matter hit a snag after the defence indicated that they are still waiting to be furnished with some documents related to the accused’s cellphone records. Presiding Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng then postponed the matter to allow the defence to go through the records.

SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL EXPECTED TO RESUME IN PRETORIA

As previously reported by The South African, during his testimony earlier in April, Gouws told the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria that data downloaded from the cellphones of the accused indicated that there was communication between all the accused.

Retired data analyst Colonel Lambertus Steyn told the court in July 2023 that accused 5 a well-known hitman from KwaZulu-Natal Fisokuhle Ntuli called Meyiwa’s girlfriend Kelly Khumalo twice in 2014 before Meyiwa was killed.

Meyiwa was shot at Khumalo’s home in Vosloorus on 26 October 2014 in what was initially thought to be a botched robbery. Police have since indicated that it was a hit.

Steyn had also testified that cellphone records revealed that Khumalo was in contact with accused 1 Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya.

Gouws also insisted that the cellphone numbers allegedly linked to all the accused were identified by Steyn.

FIVE MEN ARE ON TRIAL FOR THE MURDER

Five men are on trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa. The men are; Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli.

The men face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence, and possession of ammunition. All five pleaded not guilty.

The unfortunate incident happened on Friday night, 10 May.

FIVE-YEAR-OLD BOY KILLED IN SOSHANGUVE

According to reports, Ditebogo Junior Phalane was caught in the crossfire while welcoming his father who was ambushed by criminals as he entered their home in Soshanguve.

Speaking to TimesLIVE, family spokesperson Gift Makoti said the father rushed his unresponsive son to the nearest hospital and unfortunately the five-year-old boy was declared dead.

“He does say that the child was unresponsive when he took him to the hospital, hoping he would get help. The hospital could not save the boy and he was declared dead. At the moment the family is deeply distraught because it’s a young couple, they are in a state of shock and overwhelmed,” Makoti told the publication.

Furthermore, Makoti said he believes the people who hijacked the distraught father knew his patternss as he reportedly doesn’t reside in Soshanguve on a full time basis.

“He doesn’t live in Soshanguve full time because of his work — he is in Polokwane and he comes home on Thursdays or Fridays. I am convinced these people knew his patterns, that he was coming back home,” he told TimesLIVE.

POLICE LAUNCH MANHUNT FOR SUSPECTS

Meanwhile, South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson in Gauteng Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said they have opened a case of murder and hijacking and are searching for the suspects.

“An unconfirmed number of armed suspects allegedly hijacked the father’s White Toyota bakkie and shot the five-year-old boy who later died in hospital,” Masondo said.

City of Tshwane Executive Mayor Cilliers Brink has also sent his condolences to the Phalane family following the tragic incident.

“I’m devastated by the news received this morning, that a 5 year-old boy from Soshanguve was killed in a hijacking. Looking at the photo of this family, I cannot begin to imagine the depths of their pain, my heart goes out to them. We have to take our country back from criminals,” Brink wrote on X.

A multidisciplinary team of detectives arrested the suspects on Saturday, 11 May. 

SUSPECTS LINKED TO SPIKING INCIDENTS IN GAUTENG ARRESTED 

South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said on Saturday, police received information on the whereabouts of suspects responsible for road-spiking incidents on the N1, N4, and R80 in Tshwane district as well as robberies related to online shopping.

Muridili said the team went to Winterveldt to a house that used to operate an illegal shebeen, where they confronted ten male suspects and the woman running the shebeen.

One of the suspects allegedly charged the police with a firearm, and the police shot at him. He was declared dead at the scene.

“Five of the suspects, including the deceased, will be charged with a number of counts of rape and armed robbery while the woman will be charged with contravening the immigration act and operating an illegal shebeen.

“Investigators are underway to link the rest of the suspects with cases of robberies related to online shopping as well as road spiking incidents,” Muridili explained. 

GAUTENG COMMISSIONER COMMENDS DETECTIVES 

Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni said he was pleased with the dedication and commitment shown by the team that has been working around the clock to ensure that they hunt down and arrest the suspects who have been terrorising the community. 

“The arrest of these suspects will help us close many cases related to road spiking and online shopping,” said Lieutenant General Mthombeni.

HOTSPOTS IDENTIFIED

BusinessTech reported that the notable hotspots for spiking at the moment are the N4 from Pretoria to Rustenburg and the N4 on the way to Mpumalanga along with these roads:

• N4 Mpumalanga to Pretoria between Solomon Mahlangu and Watermeyer off-ramp
• N4 Pretoria to Mpumalanga between Bronkhorstspruit and Balmoral off-ramp
• N1 Polokwane N4 Mpumalanga interchange in Pretoria
• N4 to Rustenburg between R80 Mabopane Freeway and Brits Plaza tollgate
• Golden Highway
• R21 Freeway from OR Tambo International Airport to Pretoria
• R562 in Olifantsfontein
• N12 in Witbank, under the Merridale bridge
• N12 between Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom
• N3 between Leondale and Barry Marais Road
• N17 between Rondebult and Heidelberg Road.

The maintenance will start from 8:00 until 16:00 on Tuesday, 7 May. 

POSSIBLE WATER SUPPLY DISRUPTION IN TSHWANE 

In a statement, the metro municipality said its teams will connect to a water supply network in Erasmuskloof Extension 3 at the corner of Rubenstein Drive and Peddie Street. 

The City of Tshwane said the maintenance will last for eight hours and it may interrupt the water supply in the areas mentioned above. 

“The City of Tshwane apologises profusely for the inconvenience that the above-mentioned water supply interruption may cause,” the municipality said. 

RESIDENTS URGED TO CONSERVE WATER 

In an effort to conserve water, the City of Tshwane has requested that residents adhere to the following guidelines:

• Refrain from watering gardens with hosepipes or sprinkler systems between 6:00 and 18:00.
• Avoid vehicle washing with hosepipes.
• No filling swimming pools during the maintenance period.
• Install low-flow shower heads and tap aerators.
• Use dual-flush toilet cisterns.
• Plant indigenous or drought-resistant shrubs.
• Utilise rainwater for garden irrigation or car washing.
• Use a broom instead of a hosepipe for cleaning.
• Close taps while brushing teeth or shaving.

The matter hit a snag on Monday, 29 April and Tuesday, 30 April after the defence indicated that they are still waiting to be furnished with some documents related to the accused’s cellphone records.

WATCH: SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL

As previously reported by The South African, during his testimony earlier this month, Gouws told the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria that data downloaded from the cellphones of the accused indicated that there was communication between all the accused.

Retired data analyst Colonel Lambertus Steyn told the court in July 2023 that accused 5 a well-known hitman from KwaZulu-Natal Fisokuhle Ntuli called Meyiwa’s girlfriend Kelly Khumalo twice in 2014 before Meyiwa was killed.

Meyiwa was shot at Khumalo’s home in Vosloorus on 26 October 2014 in what was initially thought to be a botched robbery. Police have since indicated that it was a hit.

Steyn had also testified that cellphone records revealed that Khumalo was in contact with accused 1 Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya.

Gouws also insisted that the cellphone numbers allegedly linked to all the accused were identified by Steyn.

FIVE MEN ARE ON TRIAL FOR THE MURDER

Five men are on trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa. The men are; Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli.

The men face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence, and possession of ammunition. All five pleaded not guilty.

WHEN DO COURT PROCEEDINGS START?

Court proceedings normally start at 10:00, adjourn at 11:15 for a tea break and run again until 13:00 for lunch and resume again at 14:00. However, due to unforeseen circumstances on a particular day, there are delays, and sometimes court adjourns for either tea or lunch earlier than the set times indicated above.

The matter hit a snag on Monday, 29 April after the defence indicated that they are lawyers still waiting to be furnished with some documents related to the accused’s cellphone records.

WATCH: SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL CONTINUES

During his testimony earlier this month, Gouws told the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria that data downloaded from the cellphones of the accused indicated that there was communication between all the accused.

Retired data analyst Colonel Lambertus Steyn told the court in July 2023 that accused 5 a well-known hitman from KwaZulu-Natal Fisokuhle Ntuli called Meyiwa’s girlfriend Kelly Khumalo twice in 2014 before Meyiwa was killed.

Meyiwa was shot at Khumalo’s home in Vosloorus on 26 October 2014 in what was initially thought to be a botched robbery. Police have since indicated that it was a hit.

Steyn had also testified that cellphone records revealed that Khumalo was in contact with accused 1 Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya.

Gouws also insisted that the cellphone numbers allegedly linked to all the accused were identified by Steyn.

FIVE MEN ARE ON TRIAL FOR THE MURDER

Five men are on trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa. The men are; Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli.

The men face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence, and possession of ammunition. All five pleaded not guilty.

WHEN DO COURT PROCEEDINGS START?

Court proceedings normally start at 10:00, adjourn at 11:15 for a tea break and run again until 13:00 for lunch and resume again at 14:00. However, due to unforeseen circumstances on a particular day, there are delays, and sometimes court adjourns for either tea or lunch earlier than the set times indicated above.

WATCH: SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL

Last week, State prosecutor advocate Ronnie Sibanda told the court that a Capitec Bank employee verified Sibiya’s bank statements through an affidavit that was commissioned.

The statements showed that Sibiya made a series of transactions in Johannesburg between September and October 2014.

Some transactions were made in Vosloorus for consecutive days in October. 

Sibiya had claimed that he was residing in KwaZulu-Natal between 2013 and 2014 and that he only returned to Gauteng in 2015.

As previously reported by The South African, Meyiwa was shot and killed at the home of his then-girlfriend and singer Kelly Khumalo on 26 October 2014.

FIVE MEN ARE ON TRIAL FOR THE MURDER

Five men are on trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa. The men are; Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli.

The men face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence, and possession of ammunition. All five pleaded not guilty.

WHEN DO COURT PROCEEDINGS START?

Court proceedings normally start at 10:00, adjourn at 11:15 for a tea break and run again until 13:00 for lunch and resume again at 14:00. However, due to unforeseen circumstances on a particular day, there are delays, and sometimes court adjourns for either tea or lunch earlier than the set times indicated above.

Meyiwa was shot and killed on 26 October 2014 at the home of his girlfriend and singer, Kelly Khumalo, in Vosloorus. 

KEY HIGHLIGHTS FROM SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL 

• During cross-examination, investigating officer Sergeant Batho Mogola, who was part of the team led by Brigadier Bongani Gininda, told the court that singer and Meyiwa’s then-girlfriend Kelly Khumalo was the mastermind behind the goalie’s murder. 

• Mogola said she is aware of the draft application for the warrant of arrest for Khumalo. However, she doesn’t know why she is not in the dock with the five men on trial. 

• Cellphone data analyst Lieutenant-Colonel Gideon Gouws who took over from retired expert Colonel Lambertus Steyn, told the court that there was communication between all the accused before the murder of Meyiwa. 
• Lastly, accused 1 Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya’s alibi was dealt a blow after his banking records proved that he was in Gauteng around the time Senzo Meyiwa was murdered. 

Sibiya had told the court that he moved back to KwaZulu-Natal in 2013 and only returned to Gauteng in 2015. 

Bank statements obtained by the State revealed transactions in Vosloorus, especially in October 2014. 

Earlier this year, the testimony of Christopher Matlou, an investigator from the Road Traffic Management Corporation also contradicted Sibiya’s alibi.

During his testimony, the investigator testified that a few months before Meyiwa was killed Sibiya made a booking for a learner’s licence in Brakpan, Gauteng. He had registered Sotho Hostel in Vosloorus as his address.

Sibiya failed the initial test in July and registered for another one in September in Boksburg and eventually passed.

• Defence lawyer for accused 1 Thulani Mngomezulu also told the court that he intends to subpoena Kelly Khumalo and music producer Sello “Chicco” Twala.

FIVE MEN ARE ON TRIAL FOR THE MURDER

Five men are on trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa. The men are; Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli.

The men face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence, and possession of ammunition. All five pleaded not guilty.

The trial continues on Monday, 29 April.

The incident happened on Thursday afternoon, 25 April. 

LIVING UNITS DAMAGED BY FIRE AT KGOSI MAMPURU PRISON 

City of Tshwane Emergency Services spokesperson Charles Mabaso said a fire broke out at one of the living quarters at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Facility in Pretoria on Thursday. 

Firefighters arrived on the scene to find four units of an about 150m long structure with about ten units engulfed by fire and immediately commenced firefighting operations. 

Paramedics treated four women for smoke inhalation and transported them to the hospital in stable condition. 

“While conducting search operations in one of the units filled with dense smoke, a firefighter discovered a lifeless cat and immediately brought it out of the unit while conducting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The cat regained consciousness, and paramedics administered oxygen therapy,” Mabaso added. 

MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION 

Mabaso said the fire completely damaged two units, while the other four sustained damage to the roof and extensive smoke damage. 

He said they suspect that the fire started in one of the units and rapidly spread to other units as there are no firewalls between them. 

“A total of 26 of the tenants living in the units were affected by the fire, but the management of the correctional facility indicated that alternative accommodation would be arranged for them. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined,” he added. 

HOME TO SOME OF THE COUNTRY’S DANGEROUS CRIMINALS

Some of South Africa’s most notorious criminals at some point served their sentences at the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Facility.

These include former athlete Oscar Pistorius, who was recently released on parole, serial insurance murderer Rosemary Ndlovu, the late serial rapist and murderer Ananias Mathe and “Dros rapist” Nicholas Ninow.

WATCH: SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL

On Thursday, the bank records of accused 1 Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya took centre stage in court.

Sibiya had claimed that he did not reside in Gauteng around the time Meyiwa was murdered. He said he moved to KwaZulu-Natal in 2013 when he lost his job and returned to Gauteng in 2015.

The court heard that Sibiya used his bank account in Vosloorus in October 2014. Meyiwa was shot and killed on 26 October 2014 at the home of his then-girlfriend and singer Kelly Khumalo in Vosloorus.

Earlier this year, the testimony of Christopher Matlou, an investigator from the Road Traffic Management Corporation also contradicted Sibiya’s alibi.

During his testimony, the investigator testified that a few months before Meyiwa was killed Sibiya made a booking for a learner’s licence in Brakpan, Gauteng. He had registered Sotho Hostel in Vosloorus as his address.

Sibiya failed the initial test in July and registered for another one in September in Boksburg and eventually passed.

FIVE MEN ARE ON TRIAL FOR THE MURDER

Five men are on trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa. The men are; Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli.

The men face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence, and possession of ammunition. All five pleaded not guilty.

WHEN DO COURT PROCEEDINGS START?

Court proceedings normally start at 10:00, adjourn at 11:15 for a tea break and run again until 13:00 for lunch and resume again at 14:00. However, due to unforeseen circumstances on a particular day, there are delays, and sometimes court adjourns for either tea or lunch earlier than the set times indicated above.

Investigating officer Sergeant Batho Mogola concluded her testimony on Wednesday, 24 April.

SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL CONTINUES

On Wednesday, the defence continued to cross-examine Mogola on the evidence they gathered while investigating Meyiwa’s murder and how the five men on the dock are linked to the case.

Mogola revealed that their evidence indicated that singer and Meyiwa’s former girlfriend Kelly Khumalo is the mastermind behind the murder of the goalkeeper.

Lead investigator Brigadier Bongani Gininda previously testified that Khumalo allegedly paid R100 000 to the five men in the dock.

Mogola also revealed that she doesn’t know why Khumalo has not been arrested as she is the alleged mastermind especially considering that there was a draft application for a warrant of arrest.

FIVE MEN ARE ON TRIAL FOR THE MURDER

Five men are on trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa. The men are; Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli.

The men face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence, and possession of ammunition. All five pleaded not guilty.

WHEN DO COURT PROCEEDINGS START?

Court proceedings normally start at 10:00, adjourn at 11:15 for a tea break and run again until 13:00 for lunch and resume again at 14:00. However, due to unforeseen circumstances on a particular day, there are delays, and sometimes court adjourns for either tea or lunch earlier than the set times indicated above.

Mashata was killed in a hail of bullets in Soshanguve in the early hours of Sunday, 21 April.

MABUSE FAMILY MOURNS PASSING OF MASHATA

The South African previously reported that Mashata died in hospital while another victim who was with him during the shooting was unwounded.

The DJ, who was popularly known as ‘Msindo’ or ‘Noisemaker’, played his last set at his All Black event which was hosted at Epozini Lifestyle in Soshanguve Block G.

Pictures of his bullet-ridden vehicle are widely circulated on social media platforms.

On Monday, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi visited the Mabuse family to offer his condolences.

Speaking to the media following Lesufi’s visit, Mashata’s mother, Rebecca said she wants justice to be served.

“We can’t run our country with women, fathers and children crying everyday for the manner in which their loved ones are killed. It’s like they were slaughtering him, they way the shot him.

Rebecca also expressed a concern about the high number of gun-related murders in South Africa which has increased sharply over the years.

“I just want to know how come there are so many guns in South Africa. Guns are like toys in South Africa especially in Mabopane and Soshanguve. How come there is no patroller. We see them when there is a scene but we don’t see them running around protecting citizens [sic],” Mabuse questioned.

CONDOLENCES POUR IN FOR SLAIN DJ

Following Mashata’s death, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Tshwane said the tragic end to his life is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by many South Africans daily.

The party said it is unacceptable that the alleged murderers may go unpunished, as has sadly become the norm in South Africa.

“As we mourn the loss of Mashata and extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones. We call upon the authorities to prioritise the investigation into this senseless crime and bring the perpetrators to swift justice,” EFF leader in Tshwane, Obakeng Ramabodu said.

The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) also joined South Africans in mourning its employee.

The higher learning institution said it was providing the Mabuse family, friends, colleagues and students with as much support as it can at this difficult time.

“Mabuse, has been a loyal employee of TUT where he served as a Residence Advisor for both Pretoria and Ga-Rankuwa Campuses. His varied community engagement activities – e.g. as MC and as Stadium Announcer at Mamelodi Sundowns home matches – had a positive impact on society beyond the gates of the University,” the university said.

Tshwane Speaker of Council Mncedi Ndzwanana confirmed the news on Tuesday morning, in a video statement on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Shortly thereafter, in an interview with Newzroom Afrika, family friend Adel Dube also confirmed that Makwarela had passed away on Tuesday morning in hospital after a short illness.

Asked by anchor Iman Rappetti if there had been any health concerns preceding the death, Dube said Makwarela was a very health man.

“On Saturday morning, he wasn’t feeling very well. He went to the doctor, he came back to the house. And then yesterday [Monday, 22 April] early evening, he was at the doctor’s rooms. The doctor decided to take him to hospital for X-rays,” said Dube.

He later died in the early hours of Tuesday morning, said the family friend.

CONTROVERSY AROUND MURUNWA MAKWARELA

Makwarela was the first citizen in the metro municipality following the resignation of the Democratic Alliance‘s (DA) Randall Williams in February 2023.

Shortly after his election as mayor, it was revealed that Makwarela has previously been sequestrated. The 52-year-old claimed he had been rehabilitated and provided proof, which was later deemed to be false.

In March 2023, the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria confirmed that the rehabilitation certificate Makwarela had issued to the City Manager Johann Metler was a fake.

Makwarela was then disqualified as a councillor after it was learnt that he had been declared insolvent. As per the law, anyone who has been declared insolvent cannot run for office.

CONDOLENCES FROM THE CURRENT MAYOR

Following his death, City of Tshwane Mayor Cilliers Brink expressed his sadness and also sent condolences to Makwarela’s loved ones.

“Whatever the difference we might have had, and the controversy of his tenure, I am saddened by his passing. I pray that God will comfort his family, and bring them peace,” Brink said.

Mogola was part of the team of officers that investigated Meyiwa’s murder and is on the witness stand at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.

SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL CONTINUES

On Monday, 22 April, Mogola disputed defence lawyer advocate Thulani Mngomezulu’s claim that the SAPS cooked up evidence to protect the real perpetrator.

This, after Mngomezulu put it to Mogola that none of the five men in the dock killed Meyiwa on 26 October 2014. Instead, music producer Sello ‘Chicco’ Twala’s son Longwe is the one who shot and killed Meyiwa.

“According to my witnesses three shots were fired and three people were then injured. Senzo was shot dead, while Longwe Twala shot himself in the ankle and the last shot was fired on the floor. Subsequently, Zandi was injured,” he said.

Mngomezulu also indicated that he intends to subpoena singer and Meyiwa’s then girlfriend Kelly Khumalo and Sello Twala.

FIVE MEN ARE ON TRIAL FOR THE MURDER

Five men are on trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa. MuzikawukhulelwaSibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli are on trial for the murder of Meyiwa.

The men face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence, and possession of ammunition. All five men pleaded not guilty.

WHEN DO COURT PROCEEDINGS START?

Court proceedings normally start at 10:00, adjourn at 11:15 for a tea break and run again until 13:00 for lunch and resume again at 14:00. However, due to unforeseen circumstances on a particular day, there are delays, and sometimes court adjourns for either tea or lunch earlier than the set times indicated above.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY NOKWANDA NCWANE

This was revealed by defence lawyer advocate Thulani Mngomezulu as he continued to cross-examine Sergeant Batho Mogola who is part of the team that investigated Meyiwa’s murder, at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Monday, 22 April.

LONGWE TWALA ALLEGEDLY SHOT AND KILLED SENZO MEYIWA

Meyiwa’s close friends Mthokozisi Thwala and Tumelo Madlala, as well as Longwe Twala, singer Kelly Khumalo, her mother Ntombi Gladness Khumalo, her sister Zandie Khumalo and her two children Christian and Thingo, were present when the goalkeeper was shot.

On Monday, Mngomezulu put it to Mogola that music producer Sello ‘Chicco’ Twala’s son was drunk when he arrived at the Khumalo household and carried a firearm.

“According to my witnesses three shots were fired and three people were then injured. Senzo was shot dead, while Longwe Twala shot himself in the ankle and the last shot was fired on the floor. Subsequently, Zandi was injured,” he said.

This was not the first time Longwe’s name was mentioned in the ongoing murder trial.

In July 2023, defence lawyer for accused 3, Advocate Charles Mnisi read a statement deposed by an unnamed witness who called Kelly on the day of the incident but there was a communication breakdown and ended up calling Madlala.

The unnamed witness said that Madlala informed him that Meyiwa was shot and wounded trying to separate a fight between Zandie and Longwe.

Furthermore, a statement by Meyiwa’s brother-in-law Mlungisi Hlophe has also been referred to in court.

In the statement, Hlophe said he called Madlala after the incident who told him that there was a fight inside Kelly’s home in Vosloorus between her sister Zandie and her then boyfriend Longwe Twala.

Furthermore, in November 2022, former defence lawyer for accused 1 – 4 Timothy Thobane read into the the record one of the statements deposed by Madlala which suggested that Longwe pulled the trigger.

“I was for the first time to see Longwe Twala and I did not tell anyone or the Meyiwa family that Senzo was killed by Longwe Twala because he did not have a firearm with him instead he ran away,” the statement read.

STATE WITNESS READY TO TESTIFY

Speaking on Radio 702 on Thursday, 14 March, Chicco said Longwe came out of rehab on Friday, 8 March, and is as healthy as an ox.

“Longwe just came back from rehab. He’s doing okay, and the police came to pick him up yesterday (Wednesday). They just wanted to interview him because they want him to be State witness,” he said.

When asked whether Longwe is willing to be a State witness, Chicco said his son is ready to talk about what happened.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY NOKWANDA NCWANE

Mabuse was killed in a hail of bullets in the early hours of Sunday, 21 April in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria.

EFF IN TSHWANE MOURNS PASSING OF PETER ‘MASHATA’ MABUSE

Mashata reportedly died in hospital while another victim who was with him during the shooting was unwounded.

The DJ, who was popularly known as ‘Msindo’ or ‘Noisemaker’, allegedly played his last set at his All Black event which was hosted at Epozini Lifestyle in Soshanguve Block G.

Pictures of his bullet-ridden vehicle are widely circulated on social media platforms.

Gauteng police confirmed that the pair were driving near the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) campus in Soshanguve when shots were fired at their vehicle.

Following his death, the EFF in Tshwane said the tragic end to Mashata’s life is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by many South Africans daily.

The party said it is unacceptable that the alleged murderers may go unpunished, as has sadly become the norm in South Africa.

“As we mourn the loss of Mashata and extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones. We call upon the authorities to prioritise the investigation into this senseless crime and bring the perpetrators to swift justice.

“The residents of Soshanguve deserve to live without fear. Steps must be taken to restore safety and security in the community,” EFF leader in Tshwane Obakeng Ramabodu said.

PRETORA-BORN DJ’S LAST MOMENTS

In a video that circulated on social media on Sunday, Mashata danced and sang along to Michael Jackson’s Heal the World just hiours before he was brutally murdered.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi will visit Mashata’s family on Monday, 22 April to pay his tribute.

Lesufi will also pass by the Soshanguve Police Station.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY NOKWANDA NCWANE

WATCH: SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL CONTINUES

Last week, the court heard evidence from various South African Police Service (SAPS) officers.

Cellphone data analyst Lieutenant Colonel Gideon Gouws testified about communication between all the accused. While Sergeant Mlondi Tsie testified about buccal samples he collected from accused 3 Mthobisi Mncube who was already serving another sentence in 2020.

On Friday, Sergeant Batho Mogola who was part of the team that investigated the murder of Senzo Meyiwa also told the court that Mncube asked her to share the evidence against him.

WHO ARE THE MEN CHARGED?

Five men are on trial at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa who was killed at the home of his girlfriend and singer Kelly Khumalo on 26 October 2014. The men are: Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli.

They face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence and possession of ammunition. All five men pleaded not guilty.

WHEN DO COURT PROCEEDINGS START?

Court proceedings typically start at 10:00, adjourn at 13:00 for lunch and resume again at 14:00. However, due to unforeseen circumstances on a particular day, there are delays, and sometimes court adjourns for either tea or lunch earlier than the set times indicated above.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY NOKWANDA NCWANE

SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL CONTINUES

On Thursday, tempers flared in court during the cross-examination of cellphone data analyst Lieutenant Colonel Gideon Gouws.

The defence grilled Gouws on some of the data that was downloaded from cellphones confiscated from some of the accused.

Advocate Charles Mnisi who represents accused 3 Mthobisi Mncube said when Gouws testified on Tuesday, he claimed accused 2, Bongani Ntanzi, made contact with all the other co-accused.

However, Gouws has denied this saying that he said it was accused 5 Fisokuhle Ntuli who was in contact with all the other accused and not Ntanzi.

FIVE MEN ARE ON TRIAL FOR THE MURDER

Five men are on trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa. MuzikawukhulelwaSibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli are on trial for the murder of Meyiwa.

The men face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence, and possession of ammunition. All five men pleaded not guilty.

WHEN DO COURT PROCEEDINGS START?

Court proceedings typically start at 10:00, adjourn at 13:00 for lunch and resume again at 14:00. However, due to unforeseen circumstances on a particular day, there are delays, and sometimes court adjourns for either tea or lunch earlier than the set times indicated above.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY NOKWANDA NCWANE

SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL CONTINUES

On Wednesday, State witness and cellphone data anayst Lieutenant Colonel Gideon Gouws testified about links between all the accused.

Steyn told the court in July 2023 that accused 5 a well-known hitman from KwaZulu-Natal Fisokuhle Ntuli called Meyiwa’s girlfriend Kelly Khumalo twice in 2014 before Meyiwa was killed.

Meyiwa was shot at Khumalo’s home in Vosloorus on 26 October 2014 in what was initially thought to be a botched robbery. Police have since indicated that it was a hit.

Steyn also testified that cellphone records revealed that Khumalo was in contact with accused 1 Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya. Furthermore, the accused also communicated with each other – this is in contrast to their previous claim that they only met in court for the first time.

FIVE MEN ARE ON TRIAL FOR THE MURDER

Five men are on trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa. MuzikawukhulelwaSibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli are on trial for the murder of Meyiwa.

The men face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence, and possession of ammunition. All five men pleaded not guilty.

WHEN DO COURT PROCEEDINGS START?

Court proceedings typically start at 10:00, adjourn at 13:00 for lunch and resume again at 14:00. However, due to unforeseen circumstances on a particular day, there are delays, and sometimes court adjourns for either tea or lunch earlier than the set times indicated above.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY NOKWANDA NCWANE

This was revealed by cellphone data analyst Lieutenant Colonel Gideon Gouws as he testified on Wednesday, 17 April.

SENZO MEYIWA MURDER ACCUSED LINKED BY CELLPHONE RECORDS

During his testimony, Gouws revealed that he was asked to take over from Colonel Lambertus Steyn when he retired.

Steyn told the court in July 2023 that accused 5 a well-known hitman from KwaZulu-Natal Fisokuhle Ntuli called Meyiwa’s girlfriend Kelly Khumalo twice in 2014 before Meyiwa was killed.

Meyiwa was shot at Khumalo’s home in Vosloorus on 26 October 2014 in what was initially thought to be a botched robbery. Police have since indicated that it was a hit.

Steyn also testified that cellphone records revealed that Khumalo was in contact with accused 1 Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya.

Five men are on trial for the murder the former Bafana Bafana captain. The men are MuzikawukhulelwaSibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli.

The men face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence, and possession of ammunition. All five men pleaded not guilty.

On Wednesday, Gouws told the court that there was communication between all the accused and that they knew each other.

He said police could not download data from Ntanzi’s cellphone due to a pattern security code. However, they managed to extract data from his two sim cards and the memory card in the phone.

Ntanzi was contacted by the fifth accused, Fisokuhle Ntuli, who made contact with all the other accused.

The court previously heard that police confiscated a cellphone from Ntanzi where he was detained at the Villieria Police Station in Pretoria in 2021.

Ntanzi reportedly downloaded pictures of guns and updated his WhatsApp statuses while in custody. However, he denied this claim saying his cellphone and another that belonged to his sister were taken by police during his arrest on 16 June 2020.

Notably, the picture of a firearm found in Ntanzi’s phone is the same that was found on accused 3’s cellphone.

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On Tuesday, proceedings adjourned early as the defence complained that their clients were being prejudiced after the State introduced witness Lieutenant Colonel Gideon Gouws, who took over from data analyst Colonel Lambertus Steyn when he retired.

WATCH: SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL

During his testimony in July 2023, Steyn told the court about links between singer and Meyiwa’s then girlfriend Kelly Khumalo and the accused in the matter.

Meyiwa was shot and killed at Khumalo’s home in Vosloorus on 26 October 2014 in her presence.

Steyn said cellphone records revealed that Khumalo was in contact with accused 1 Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya and accused 5 Fisokuhle Ntuli before and after Meyiwa died.

Furthermore, he also revealed that a SIM swap was done on Meyiwa’s phone just hours after he died.

The court also heard that the defence will only cross-examine ballistics expert Lieutenant Colonel Christian Mangena on 20 May. This is to allow the legal representatives time to secure funding for their own ballistics expert.

Following Mangena’s testimony in August 2023, the defence indicated that it would consult its own ballistics expert in an attempt o rebut Mangena’s evidence about the alleged murder weapon.

Mangena had testified that the firearm used to kill Meyiwa was in the possession of accused 3 Mthobisi Mncube when he was arrested in Malvern in 2015.

FIVE MEN ARE ON TRIAL FOR THE MURDER

Five men are on trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa. MuzikawukhulelwaSibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli are on trial for the murder of Meyiwa.

The men face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence, and possession of ammunition. All five men pleaded not guilty.

WHEN DO COURT PROCEEDINGS START?

Court proceedings typically start at 10:00, adjourn at 13:00 for lunch and resume again at 14:00. However, due to unforeseen circumstances on a particular day, there are delays, and sometimes court adjourns for either tea or lunch earlier than the set times indicated above.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY NOKWANDA NCWANE

On Monday, 15 April, the defence was expected to grill Mangena, who testified in August 2023 about the alleged murder weapon.

COURT TO HEAR EVIDENCE OF OTHER WITNESSES IN SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL

On Monday, State prosecutor Advocate George Baloyi told the court that the defence submitted an application to the Legal Aid Board to finance the cost of the expert.

The court also heard that the families of the accused tried to raise the money to pay the ballistics expert but there is an outstanding balance.

On Tuesday, Flavia Isola from the Legal Aid Board told the court that the defence submitted its application on 5 April and did not include the value of the costs of the expert.

Isola said if the costs are less than R50 000, the approval could take roughly two days, but it would take longer if the amount was higher.

LIEUTENANT COLONEL CHRISTIAN MANGENA’S TESTIMONY

In August 2023, Mangena testified that the gun allegedly used to kill Senzo Meyiwa was found in accused 3 Mthobisi Mncube’s possession when he was arrested in 2015 for the murder of an Alexandra taxi boss.

During his testimony, Mangena told the court that lead investigator Brigadier Bongani Gininda contacted him about people of interest in the matter. He further told him that accused 3 was arrested, and police found a firearm in his possession. Gininda then asked Mangena to check if the gun was linked to the Meyiwa murder case.

Mangena said that on 20 July 2020, he received an open seal bag containing a 9mm pistol, the serial number of which was obliterated, and one magazine.

He was able to determine that the firearm was a CZ 75, and through the etching process, he determined the original serial number.

“The bullets in the blue box found in accused 3’s room in Malvern in 2015 were CMJ bullets and were of the same nature as the bullet projectile found on the scene,” Mangena added.

Furthermore, he conducted other tests which confirmed that the projectile recovered from the scene was indeed fired from the firearm found in accused 3’s possession.

Mangena also revealed that two shots were fired inside the house; the first one was fired on the floor at an angle of about 90 degrees, while the other shot was fired in the direction of the door at a slightly downward angle.

“The bullet damage on the door had characteristics of an unstable bullet. The unstableness could have been as a result of an intermediate target between the firearm; it could have been the deceased,” he explained.

Eyewitness and Kelly’s sister Zandile previously testified that three shots were fired during the incident.

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Following a three-week break, the matter resumed on Monday, 15 April.

SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL CONTINUES

On Monday, the defence was expected to cross-examine ballistics expert Lieutenant Colonel Chris Mangena, however, this did not happen.

Mangena testified in August 2023 and in an attempt to rebut the State’s evidence, the defence asked the court to consult its own ballistics expert.

Mangena had testified that the gun allegedly used to kill Meyiwa was found in accused 3 Mthobisi Mncube’s possession when he was arrested in 2015 for the murder of an Alexandra taxi boss.

State prosecutor Advocate George Baloyi also told the court that the defence submitted an application to the Legal Aid Board to finance the cost of the expert.

The court also heard that the families of the accused tried to raise the money ought to be paid to the expert but there is an outstanding balance.

Presiding Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng asked the State to call the head of Legal Aid Board to come to court on Tuesday to clarify whether it will finance the outstanding amount of the expert, TimesLIVE reported.

FIVE MEN ARE ON TRIAL FOR THE MURDER

Five men are on trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa. MuzikawukhulelwaSibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli are on trial for the murder of Meyiwa.

The men face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence, and possession of ammunition. All five men pleaded not guilty.

WHEN DO COURT PROCEEDINGS START?

Court proceedings typically start at 10:00, adjourn at 13:00 for lunch and resume again at 14:00. However, due to unforeseen circumstances on a particular day, there are delays, and sometimes court adjourns for either tea or lunch earlier than the set times indicated above.

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