We just want justice for Senzo Meyiwa, say sisters

The trial of five men accused of killing Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa in 2014 has been set down for 25 October to 12 November 2021 in the Palm Ridge High Court.

Muzikawulahlelwa Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokosizi Maphisa and SifikuhleNkani Ntuli Sifiso were arrested in October last year and appeared in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday morning.

They are charged with murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms and the illegal possession of ammunition

A pre-trial hearing has been set for 19 July 2021.

But AfriForum has criticised the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for not arresting the mastermind behind Meyiwa’s death.

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AfriForum’s private prosecution unit is representing the Meyiwa family.

According to advocate Gerrie Nel, head of the private prosecution unit, the NPA’s failure to act against the mastermind was of grave concern, since there was ample proof to arrest this person, he said.

However, the NPA said there was insufficient evidence in the docket to warrant the arrest and prosecution of the alleged mastermind.

“Now the prosecutor wants to transfer the case to the high court on a charge that does not consider the element of premeditation. We have already said at the previous court appearance that the continuous failure to act against the mastermind is damaging the case. This person contracted assassins to commit the murder.

“The charge does not allow for the deduction to be made that Meyiwa was killed during the execution of an assassination. It is therefore irrational to transfer the case at this stage to the high court,” Nel said.

He said not arresting the mastermind behind Meyiwa’s murder only confirms the public’s negative perception opf law enforcement agencies.

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“AfriForum’s private prosecution unit assisted the investigation team throughout and has sympathy with their frustration about the NPA’s unwillingness to charge the suspect and add the person to the charge sheet. The perception has already been created this person is being protected from prosecution – and the unwillingness of the prosecutor to charge this person reinforces this perception,” said Nel.

Zama and Nomalanga Meyiwa, Senzo’s sisters, said their family only wanted justice to prevail for their brother.

“The fact that the mastermind has not been charged at the time of this court appearance places the family under immense pressure. We want certainty about what happened on the night Senzo was killed,” said Nomalanga.

“We want justice for the death of Senzo and expect the law enforcement authorities to charge and bring before the court the parties against whom there is evidence. The family is grateful that AfriForum is supporting us in this case to ensure that justice – for which we have been waiting for seven years – eventually prevails.”

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