By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The investigating officer in the Senzo Meyiwa case, Sergeant Vusimuzi Mogane, says accused number two Bongani Ntanzi confessed voluntarily to his alleged involvement in the murder.
Mogane, attached to the national cold case investigation unit, went through a rigorous questioning as the trial enters a crucial phase.
Last week, the defence team sought additional time to consult with the accused regarding his testimony. The court proceedings centre on the alleged involvement of five men in the tragic murder of the revered soccer star, Meyiwa.
Mogane said Ntanzi opted to tell the truth to lead investigating officer Brigadier Gininda after they confirmed he was not at work the day Meyiwa was murdered.
“Brigadier told him that what he was going to say must be the truth and nothing but the whole truth. He began talking and Brigadier said, No stop right there. He said that since I’m the investigating officer in this case, I will need this to be performed by somebody neutral. In a form of confession.” He then spoke about the confession. When we parted, I said, ‘Mr Ntanzi, are you satisfied?’ And he said he is satisfied.”
The trial-within-a-trial continued on Monday, where defence attorneys are challenging the admissibility of confessions made by accused number one Muzi Sibiya and Ntanzi.
It is alleged that Ntanzi made two confessions in June 2020.
The first was made before Warrant Officer Meshack Makhubo at Moroka Police Station.
The second would be made before Magistrate Vivian Cronje in Boksburg.
But Ntanzi has disputed this version of events.
His defence counsel, Advocate Thulani Mngomezulu, told the court that Ntanzi was assaulted and coerced into drafting a confession.
Meyiwa was shot and killed while visiting singer girlfriend Kelly Khumalo at her home in Vosloorus on October 26, 2014.
The five accused in the Meyiwa murder trial are Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Mthobisi Mncube, Mthokoziseni Ziphozonke Maphisa, and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli.
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