Controversial Afro-pop singer Kelly Khumalo has clapped back following serious allegations made by disbarred attorney Malesela Teffo regarding the murder of Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa.
Teffo dropped bombs on McG’s Podcast and Chill episode, which aired on Thursday.
Teffo, who previously represented four of the five accused in the Meyiwa murder trial, alleged that Khumalo was the one who accidentally shot and killed Meyiwa on October 26, 2014.
This version contradicts lead investigating officer Bongani Gininda’s testimony in court that Khumalo was implicated in the murder by the suspected assassins.
According to Gininda, Meyiwa was killed by intruders.
“There is an amount of R30 000 that was paid at the Basotho Hostel [in Vosloorus, east of Johannesburg] after the murder of the deceased,” Gininda told the court in January.
“There are no transactions between Kelly Khumalo and any of the accused.”
Regarding the contractual killing allegation, Gininda said there was an instruction from Khumalo to kill the deceased, which is found in the confessions of accused numbers one and two.
According to Gininda, the confessions alone are the only proof that Khumalo actually gave the order to carry out the hit on Meyiwa.
Shot dead during a scuffle
However, this week, Teffo insisted that there was no robbery or intruder involved in the murder of Meyiwa, contrary to what the people who were inside Khumalo’s home told the police.
According to Teffo’s version, based on what he calls his “independent investigation”, Khumalo’s then-boyfriend, Meyiwa, was allegedly shot during a scuffle involving her and Zandie Khumalo-Gumede’s ex-boyfriend, Longwe Twala.
“Longwe was high when he arrived at their house; this was just to give him courage. Kelly told Senzo to handle him, and as Senzo wrestled with Longwe, he overpowered him and took the firearm.
“Kelly was next to them. Senzo gave the gun to Kelly before taking Longwe outside,” Teffo alleged.
He further claimed that when Meyiwa returned inside the house, he asked Khumalo to hand over the firearm.
“As Senzo was about to take it, the gun discharged, fatally wounding him,” Teffo claimed.
These allegations come years into a case that has gripped South Africa, with five men currently standing trial for Meyiwa’s murder. All the accused have pleaded not guilty.
Teffo was controversially removed as their defence lawyer but has since maintained that the real perpetrators are being protected.
Come and get me; I fear no one
In response, Khumalo took to Instagram to address Teffo’s allegations, refusing to entertain them through lawyers or formal statements.
“Enough is enough; it stops here, and it stops today. I’m not going to be diplomatic about this, nor waste money on lawyers speaking on my behalf; udoti nje udoti [trash is just trash],” wrote Khumalo.
“If you strongly believe I’m capable of such a crime, it’s simple; come and get me. I am not above the law. But I’ve had enough of you people dragging my name through the mud.
“These [foolish] humiliation rituals that you’ve been performing on me for years end today. If you believe I’m the woman responsible, come and get me. I fear no one. Until then, back off.”
Khumalo has been a controversial figure in the Meyiwa murder case due to her presence at her Vosloorus home when Meyiwa was killed.
She has repeatedly denied any involvement, but calls for her to be held accountable continue to grow, especially on social media.
Meanwhile, the Meyiwa murder trial continues at the Pretoria High Court, with new witnesses expected to testify in the coming weeks.
