…By Roland Peterson for TDPel Media.
In the murder trial of former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa, Zandie Khumalo, a state witness, has decided not to appeal the ruling that dismissed her application.
She made this choice because she seeks justice in the case.
Khumalo’s Application Dismissed, Testimony to be Broadcasted
Khumalo had applied to prevent the live broadcast of her testimony.
However, Presiding Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela dismissed the application and ruled that her testimony would be broadcasted via audio without showing her images.
Zandie Khumalo’s Testimony in the Senzo Meyiwa Murder Trial
On October 26, 2014, Senzo Meyiwa was shot at the home of his then girlfriend, Kelly Khumalo, in Vosloorus, Gauteng.
During the incident, Meyiwa’s close friends Mthokozisi Thwala and Tumelo Madlala, Zandie Khumalo, her then boyfriend Longwe Twala, her sister Kelly Khumalo, their mother Ntombi Gladness Khumalo, as well as Kelly’s two children were present.
Khumalo Describes Events Leading to the Fatal Incident
Khumalo provided details to the court about the events leading up to the fatal incident.
According to her, they were originally planning to attend a party at Rooi Mahamutsa’s place, a former Orlando Pirates player.
However, the party was delayed, and they decided to go home in Vosloorus to have lunch since their mother always cooked on Sundays.
They arrived at the house between 16:00 and 17:00 and were greeted by their mother, Ntombi, who prepared a meal for them.
Khumalo’s Account of the Alleged Intruders
Khumalo then testified about two alleged intruders who demanded money and cellphones.
Longwe pushed the first intruder and escaped from the house.
Kelly ran to a bedroom opposite the kitchen, and the second intruder pursued her and attempted to open the door.
All the occupants in the house quickly stood up and confronted the intruders, pushing them towards the kitchen.
Kelly joined the fight and supported Meyiwa, who was wrestling with one of the gunmen.
Contradicting Testimonies on the Number of Shots Fired
Khumalo became the first witness to inform the court that three shots were fired on the night of the incident.
Previous witnesses had mentioned one or two shots but could not recall the exact number.
According to Khumalo, she heard the first shot while she was in the kitchen with her mother, sister, Madlala, and Meyiwa.
She then heard the second and third shots while she was hiding, and the sound of the third shot was distinct from the first two.
Continuation of Khumalo’s Testimony
Khumalo is scheduled to continue her testimony on Friday, May 19.