By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
SA Police Services (SAPS) has detained a group of three men for questioning over the conspiracy to eliminate key role players in the Senzo Meyiwa trial.
The men were seated in the public gallery inside court.
SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed that a case of conspiracy to commit murder has been registered and is under investigation.
The SAPS received solid intelligence that there are a group of individuals who attend proceedings with the sole purpose of looking for an opportunity to eliminate key players on the side of the state. The SAPS has taken a group of individuals who attended proceedings this morning for further questioning and profiling. Security has been heightened, and intelligence is on high alert.”
The former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates captain Meyiwa was killed at the home of his then-girlfriend, Kelly Khumalo, in October 2014.
Tuesday’s proceedings began with Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng preparing to hear arguments about whether a contested affidavit by defence witness Sifiso “Gwabini” Zungu should be admitted.
Zungu, who has challenged the testimony of his uncle, state witness Constable Sizwe Skhumbuzo Zungu, claims he was assaulted and forced by police into signing a statement he never even read. His uncle, meanwhile, maintains that the accused men were all together at a Vosloorus hostel on the day Meyiwa was killed.
But before legal arguments could get underway, tension in the courtroom rose abruptly.
Zungu told the judge that three individuals who accompanied him had been removed by police. No details were provided on why only confusion and an uneasy silence.
Within minutes, Judge Mokgoatlheng adjourned the matter.
The trial centres around five accused: Muzi Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, and Fisokuhle Ntuli.
They face charges ranging from murder to robbery, attempted murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms.
Their alleged involvement has always been contested, with the defence arguing that the real masterminds are being protected while the accused are scapegoats. The new murder conspiracy investigation adds yet another layer of tension and fear to a case already thick with intrigue.