In a gripping development at the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, the court heard that accused one (Muzi Sibiya) told the cops that they were taken to a traditional healer after they killed the goalie.
This was shared by the lead investigator in the case, Brigadier Bongani Gininda, during the re-examination by the state.
This after advocate Charles Mnisi, the legal representative for the first accused, concluded his cross-examination of the lead investigator on Thursday at the Pretoria High Court.
This allowed for the state, led by advocate George Baloyi, to conduct a re-examination of the witness.
Accused implicated himself
In the re-examination, Gininda said the accused implicated himself and informed him that they were paid to kill Meyiwa and they were taken to a traditional healer later.
Baloyi asked Gininda what the trip to Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal, was about.
And according to Gininda, police travelled to KZN to verify the accused’s address. This was for the drugs and gun ammunition case that was opened against him.
“During advocate Mnisi’s cross-examination, you said your interaction with accused number one was at a parking lot of the police station in Vosloorus. And you were in the back seat of the red Golf; is that correct?” asked Baloyi.
Gininda agreed.
Cross-examination continues
“After you introduced yourself to him, you explained his rights. And then you told him that he was involved in the killing of Senzo Meyiwa. You also testified that Sibiya implicated himself and that is also documented in your diary. Did his confession correlate with what he told you?” asked George.
Gininda agreed. However, he stated that contrary to what Mnisi said, his interaction with Sibiya did not take place at a secluded place.
“Yes, that is correct. However, in the confession, he gave me a much more detailed explanation. He told me the role he played, where they got the instruction to commit this murder. The issue of a traditional healer and the payments; give a much more detailed explanation.”
Trial continues, 10 years later
The court will still go and inspect the scene where Sibiya claims he was brutally assaulted by police. He claims he was assaulted before being forced into a confession.
It has been 10 years since Meyiwa was killed at the Vosloorus home of his girlfriend, singer Kelly Khumalo. Five men accused of his murder are charged with premeditated murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
All five have entered not guilty pleas.
The trial continues.
