Trial Resumes After Three-Month Recess
The highly anticipated murder trial of former Bafana Bafana captain, Senzo Meyiwa, resumed on Monday, October 13, 2025, at the Pretoria High Court in South Africa. The resumption marks a pivotal moment as the defense team began presenting its case, calling its first witness to the stand after the state concluded its arguments in July 2025.
The trial, which has gripped the nation for years, seeks to uncover the truth behind Meyiwa's fatal shooting on October 26, 2014.
Accused Number One Testifies
Muzi Sibiya, identified as accused number one among the five men standing trial for Meyiwa's murder, took the stand as the defense's inaugural witness. Sibiya, represented by Advocate Charles Mnisi, has denied any involvement in the killing of the football star. During his testimony, Sibiya reportedly described his arrest in 2019, five years after Meyiwa's death, and alleged that he was repeatedly assaulted by police officers who attempted to coerce him into confessing to the murder.
The five men accused in the case are Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli. They have all pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Background and Ongoing Challenges
Senzo Meyiwa was shot and killed at the Vosloorus home of his then-girlfriend, singer Kelly Khumalo. The state has consistently maintained that Meyiwa's death was a contract killing, rather than a botched robbery as initially suggested.
The trial has been plagued by numerous delays since its commencement in 2022-2023. In July 2023, Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng took over the proceedings following the suspension of the previous presiding judge. Recent postponements were attributed to the defense's need for more time to consult with potential witnesses. To address logistical hurdles, the court has issued an order compelling Legal Aid to cover accommodation and travel costs for all defense witnesses throughout their testimonies.
As the defense presents its case, the nation watches closely for further developments in this long-running and complex legal battle.
8 Comments
Bermudez
Police brutality claims? This just complicates everything further.
Africa
Of course he denies it. What else did we expect?
Bermudez
Still no real justice after all these years. It's heartbreaking.
Rotfront
The allegations of police assault are serious and must be investigated, as they could undermine the entire case. However, we also can't lose sight of the fact that a man was murdered and his family deserves justice.
Habibi
It's good that Accused Number One is finally testifying, as it provides a new perspective to the court. Yet, after so many years, one can't help but wonder if the truth will ever truly be revealed amidst all the claims and counter-claims.
Matzomaster
It's about time the defense presented their side. Hope we get answers.
Eugene Alta
This testimony is crucial. Let the truth prevail.
Loubianka
Good to see the trial resuming. The nation deserves closure.