South African music sensation, Kelly Khumalo, is facing a barrage of criticism from angry social media users following her recent removal from multiple events.
The talented singer took to Twitter on August 3rd to share her gig guide, defiantly announcing her upcoming performance at the Rusty Rocks 'All For Women' concert on August 12th. In a bold response to her detractors, she added a provocative statement, challenging anyone who had a problem with her appearance to "vomit."
However, amidst the online backlash, one malicious troll escalated matters by issuing a death threat to Kelly. The individual, using the Twitter handle @gossipsharer, brazenly warned the singer that if she were to be shot during the event, they would be responsible for the act.
Ok Noted https://t.co/Uf95zA2rJy
— The Voice Of Africa (@KellyKhumaloZA) August 3, 2023
Kelly, undeterred by the threat, acknowledged the troll's message without further engagement.
While Kelly continues to receive booking requests, some event organizers have swiftly distanced themselves from the controversy. Recently, she was removed from the line-up of the 'Tribute To Women' festival and, more recently, from the 'Maseru Jazz Festival.'
The decision to drop Kelly was prompted by complaints from disgruntled audiences, who were deeply affected by the shocking testimonies emerging from the ongoing Senzo Meyiwa murder trial.
Kelly Khumalo had been dating Senzo Meyiwa, the former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, when he tragically lost his life on October 26, 2014. The incident occurred at her mother's house in Vosloorus, where six adults were present, including Kelly, her mother Ntombi Khumalo, her sister Zandie, Zandie's boyfriend at the time, Longwe Thwala, Senzo's friends Mthokozisi Thwala and Tumelo Madlala, as well as Kelly's two children.
During the trial, Colonel Lambertus Steyn, a data analyst and investigation officer at the South African Police Services (SAPS) Cold Case Unit, testified as the State's fourth witness. He revealed that accused number five, Fisokuhle Ntuli, had made two phone calls to Kelly's number shortly before the footballer's untimely demise. However, the defense counsel representing Ntuli, Advocate Zandile Mshololo, raised doubts about the accuracy of Steyn's testimony, highlighting inconsistencies in the evidence.
Mshololo questioned Steyn regarding the phone number attributed to Ntuli and revealed that it was not registered under the suspect's name.
Furthermore, Steyn disclosed that no one from the Khumalo household had contacted the police or an ambulance immediately after the shooting took place. He also testified that the data on Kelly's phone was mysteriously erased mere hours after the incident.
The trial involves multiple accused individuals, namely Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, and Sifisokuhle Nkani Ntuli. They face charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of firearms without a license, and possession of ammunition.
As the trial progresses, Kelly Khumalo finds herself caught between the backlash from social media users and the consequences of her association with the tragic events surrounding Senzo Meyiwa's murder. The extent to which these developments will impact her career and public image remains to be seen.
