Johannesburg – The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial continues to dominate headlines, with fresh revelations and unwavering statements from key figures adding another layer of complexity to the already convoluted case.
Singer Zandie Khumalo-Gumede, sister of Kelly Khumalo, has firmly rejected accusations of perjury, maintaining her innocence and reiterating her suspicions about others involved. Meanwhile, a bombshell revelation from the defence suggests that Longwe Twala, son of music producer Sello "Chicco" Twala, fired the fatal shot.
Zandie Khumalo-Gumede took to social media this week to address ongoing public scrutiny surrounding her testimony.
In a strongly worded statement, she declared: “Mina I’m not gonna apologise to South Africans for s**t. I never lied under oath. I gave my testimony to the best of my ability and recollection. Mina Zandile Lorraine Khumalo, I was never part of any planning or masterminding yokubulala u Senzo if there ever was something like that.”
Khumalo-Gumede clarified her position, stating: “My stance has always been clear: mina ukuthi ngisola bani [who I suspect], and when my suspicions are without any doubt proven to be wrong, I will sincerely apologise to her because my suspicions are not personal and do not come from a place of malice, but I just wanted to make sure that police leave no stone unturned.”
She insisted that any apology would be contingent on a public exoneration of Mandisa. “Should she be investigated and cleared publicly, not behind closed doors, I will then apologise to her. Until then, ngimile la.”
She further defended her sister, Kelly Khumalo, stating unequivocally: “I am 200% sure that Kelly had nothing to do with this. She is HIGHLY INCAPABLE of such.” This sentiment reflects her previous statements where she expressed her belief that Kelly was incapable of orchestrating Senzo’s death.
She added: “I have always been very firm on, and I am still firm on even today, the fact that I don’t believe that Kelly Khumalo had something to do with this; in fact, I am 200% sure that she had nothing to do with this.”
Khumalo-Gumede’s statements highlight the intense public interest and scrutiny surrounding the case, particularly the role of those present at the scene on the night of the murder. She made it clear that she wants justice served, regardless of who is implicated.
“Anyone, and I mean anyone that was involved in masterminding Senzo’s death; if ever there was any masterminding, I want them behind bars. [I’m talking about the mastermind only because] I am 200% sure that those that are in the dock are the actual killers]. So whether it is someone unknown to me, my family member, or even Senzo’s family member, if it is proven beyond any reasonable doubt that they are involved in planning Senzo’s killing, they must be arrested.”
Her plea for justice underscores the ongoing search for truth and accountability in this high-profile case.
Mngomezulu’s line of questioning centred on a 9mm parabellum semi-automatic pistol submitted for ballistic testing. While Mangena confirmed receiving the firearm along with other items in sealed evidence bags on 14 November 2014, he denied knowledge of the owner. Mngomezulu, however, revealed that the firearm's licence belonged to Chicco Twala.
He pressed Mangena on the significance of Longwe’s presence at the crime scene and the potential link between the firearm and the shooting, suggesting a theory that Longwe fired the fatal shot. Mangena, however, maintained that there was no evidence of a .38 special revolver at the scene, only a 9mm bullet.
This conflicting testimony adds another significant twist to the already complex narrative. The conflicting accounts of events and the differing interpretations of the evidence continue to fuel speculation and debate surrounding this high-profile case. The ongoing trial promises further revelations as the search for justice in the Senzo Meyiwa murder case continues.
