Brigadier Bongani Gininda, the police lead investigator in the murder case of Senzo Meyiwa, has removed Longwe Twala from the list of individuals of interest.
This was said by Gininda during his testimony at the Pretoria High Court regarding the events leading up to Meyiwa’s murder on October 26, 2014.
Although Gininda declared Twala’s innocence, he acknowledged that he could not make the same claim about musician Kelly Khumalo, who was romantically involved with the deceased at the time of his death.
Gininda referenced a statement by Warrant Officer Steenkamp, who recounted her interview with Khumalo, the first witness she spoke to.
Khumalo recounted two African males entering the house during the incident, according to Steenkamp’s statement.
Steenkamp’s statement challenged
According to the statement, he said, one suspect was described as being in his mid-20s, with dreadlocks, dark brown shiny skin, and a different gold tooth insert.
He also looked more aggressive and demanded money and cellphones.
The proceedings took a contentious turn when defence advocate Charles Mnisi challenged the admissibility of Steenkamp’s statement, arguing it constituted hearsay evidence because it relayed what Khumalo told Steenkamp.
“This is hearsay evidence because Mr Gininda is giving testimony based on what Kelly said to Mrs Steenkamp. Once more, Kelly is the state witness whom we cannot question,” said Mnisi.
“I am not sure if the state is leading this evidence; it will request the court that it be admitted provisionally pending the calling of those two witnesses [Khumalo and Steenkamp].”
In the past, Gininda claimed that there was insufficient evidence to arrest or summon Khumalo to court.
George Baloyi, the state prosecutor, retorted that the defence had only used the statement when it supported their position.
“It cannot be that they use the statement when it suits them,” Baloyi argued.
Two conflicting versions
A heated exchange followed, with Mnisi seeking to respond to Baloyi’s claims; however, the judge intervened, noting that the court had two conflicting versions and would rule on the matter.
Gininda was questioned by Baloyi regarding Gwabini, a witness who declined to testify because he was afraid for his life.
After Gininda attested to this, the judge asked if Gwabini was protected by the police.
“He did not want to testify because he feared for his life, and he is not under police protection.
“He was offered, but he declined, even though he gave reasons; he was reluctant.”
The trial continues.
