Longwe Twala now on police wanted list, steals sister's phone and disappears… He is accused of shooting Senzo Meyiwa dead

Johannesburg – The son of veteran music producer Chicco Twala, Longwe Twala, is now a wanted man after failing to appear in court on Friday, leading to the issuance of a warrant for his arrest.

This latest development adds another layer to the already complex saga surrounding Twala, who is embroiled in a theft case brought by his own father and faces serious allegations in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial.

The Randburg Magistrate’s Court had previously postponed Twala’s case to 25 September, following a brief appearance where his new legal representative requested a postponement to familiarise himself with the case before lodging a bail application. This postponement, however, proved to be short-lived. Twala’s failure to appear resulted in the warrant for his arrest being issued.

The initial charges against Twala stem from a theft complaint filed by his father in September. Chicco Twala alleged that his son ransacked his studio and stole approximately R200,000 worth of equipment from their family home while he was in the United States.

He opened a case against both Longwe and his brother, Sello. While Sello was later released due to insufficient evidence, Longwe’s case proceeded, only to be further complicated by his recent actions.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, it emerged that Longwe had also allegedly stolen his sister’s cellphone on Thursday, the day before his scheduled court appearance. This theft, according to a source close to the family, is likely to result in a further charge being laid against him by his aunt, Chicco’s sister, with whom Longwe was residing under his bail conditions.

These conditions stipulated that he report to the Diepkloof Police Station weekly. He failed to do so and his absence from his aunt's home on Thursday night further compounded the situation.

Chicco Twala, speaking to journalists outside the Randburg Magistrates Court last month, expressed his deep concern about his son’s behaviour and his desire to see him remain in custody. His emotional plea highlighted the long-standing struggles Longwe has faced with substance abuse.

“I had a meeting with both my sons before I left for the US. And I did this because I knew that Longwe, especially, would go astray,” Chicco stated previously.

He further revealed the extent of his son’s addiction, stating, “He has been to rehab more than 30 times; I have even lost count.”

This desperate attempt to help his son appears to have been unsuccessful, as Longwe's recent actions demonstrate a continued pattern of problematic behaviour.

When contacted by Sunday World for comment, Chicco Twala said he didn’t have much to say but reiterated his belief that his son should remain in custody.

“I don’t know much I just arrived. But I knew that it was going to happen. And I even told the investigating officer that they must not give him bail. All I can say is that they must arrest him and his sister must open a case against him for theft,” he said.

His frustration is understandable, given his repeated attempts to help Longwe overcome his addiction.

Chicco’s concerns extend beyond the current theft charges. He has voiced significant apprehension about Longwe’s potential involvement in the ongoing Senzo Meyiwa murder trial. Longwe is expected to testify, and Chicco fears that his son’s history of disappearing will prevent him from fulfilling this obligation.

“I certainly don't want my son to get bail. He will disappear and not be found for his next court appearance. The fact that the defence in the Senzo Meyiwa case would be calling him to testify makes it even more worrying because I know for a fact that he will disappear and miss both his court appearances the day he is supposed to testify,” Chicco explained.

The depth of Chicco's frustration is evident in his comments about his son’s behaviour. He described years of attempting to help Longwe, from numerous rehab stints to offering him the chance to take over his business.

“For the past 23 years, we did everything to help Longwe. That is why I can open a case against him because I did everything, but it seems like helping him enables his behaviour. That boy is a snake, he will never change. The only thing that will change that boy is death because he doesn't have limits. As long as he is alive, he will continue like this, that is why I went where they smoke drugs because the police couldn't find him so that they can arrest him for what he did,” Chicco stated.

Adding to the already complex situation, Longwe Twala's name has been mentioned in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial. Advocate Thulani Mngomezulu, lawyer for accused number one, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, made a startling claim, alleging that Longwe fired the shot that killed Meyiwa in October 2014.

Mngomezulu stated his intention to call a witness who will testify that three shots were fired inside the house.

“The witness will tell the court that three shots were fired inside the house. One caused injury to Zandile on her leg; the other shot was when Longwe shot himself on the leg during the struggle with Meyiwa, and the third shot killed Meyiwa,” he said.

He further stated that after the incident, Longwe’s wound became septic, requiring medical attention. This allegation adds a layer of serious criminal accusations to the already extensive charges against Longwe Twala.