Sergeant Papi Tsie has revealed that one of the accused in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial was surprised that the case had been revived. This after the former Bafana Bafana star was shot and killed in Vosloorus in October 2014.
Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Ntuli are on trial for Meyiwa’s murder. They have all entered pleas of not guilty.
During proceedings at the Pretoria High Court on Friday, Tsie provided crucial testimony. It was regarding the collection of buccal swabs from Mncube and Maphisa as part of the investigation.
Mncube expressed surprise, saying he thought case was dead
According to Tsie, he received a call from investigating officer Brigadier Bongani Gininda on June 30, 2020. He urged him to obtain Mncube’s DNA sample. At the time, Mncube was detained at the Johannesburg prison.
Upon arrival at the prison, Tsie, accompanied by Sergeant Bathobakae Mogola, proceeded to book Mncube out from his cell. It was during this interaction that Tsie recounted Mncube’s surprising remarks in IsiZulu.
Tsie recalled: “While Mogola filled him in on the details of the Meyiwa murder case, Mr. Mncube said, ‘it’s this case again. I thought this case was dead, but it’s coming back’.”
When questioned further about his knowledge of the case, Mncube chose to remain silent. Nevertheless, Tsie proceeded to collect Mncube’s DNA sample. He ensured proper documentation and the suspect’s acknowledgment of consent.
Both accused were cooperative
Similarly, on July 7, 2020, Tsie obtained Maphisa’s DNA sample at Leeuwkop Prison. Tsie clarified the purpose of the DNA collection and secured Maphisa’s consent. This despite initial confusion from Maphisa. He believed he was being charged for a case he knew nothing about.
Throughout the process, Tsie emphasised that both Mncube and Maphisa were cooperative. They willingly provided their DNA samples without any form of intimidation or threat.
“After taking the swab, I had to seal it in front of the suspect and he was happy that there was no contamination,” Tsie said.
