Defense lawyer Charles Mnisi read a statement deposed by Kelly Khumalo’s sister, Zandile Khumalo that contradicts fourth witness Mthokozisi Thwala’s testimony at the North Gauteng High court on Wednesday.
Thwala’s cross examination into what transpired the night Orlando Pirates goalkeeper and Bafana Bafana skipper Senzo Meyiwa was shot and killed at his girlfriend, Kelly Khumalo’s Vosloorus home in October 2014 continued this week.
Kelly, Zandile, their mother Ntombi Khumalo, Longwe Twala, Meyiwa’s friends Mthokozisi Thwala and Tumelo Madlala, were in the house the night Meyiwa was killed.
Mnisi who respresents accused number three Mthobisi Prince Mncube, continued questioning Thwala’s version of events compared to a statement deposed by Zandi. Thwala said two men walked into the house on that fateful night, one carrying a firearm while the other had a sharp object.
Thwala said Senzo had confronted the gunman and a struggle had ensued. However, Mnisi said Zandile’s statement would say there was a suspect who came into the house wielding a firearm while the witnesses were in the sitting room.
“This is what Zandile will come and tell the court, she would basically say there is a suspect who came into the house and was wielding a firearm in the sitting room where you were seated. And Longwe jumped onto the suspect and pushed him aside.
“Longwe went out of the house. Then Kelly ran to the bedroom which was next to the kitchen and the second suspect followed her. Then Kelly closed the door and the suspect tried to open the door. Is this how you saw the incident or how the incident panned out?” asked Mnisi.
But Thwala refused to comment saying: “I am requesting not to comment on statements made by Zandi. She will come and speak for herself.”
In his testimony, Thwala said there was a scuffle between Senzo Meyiwa, Tumelo Madlala and intruders while Zandi and her mother used crutches to assault one of the intruders in the house on the fateful night.
Five men – Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, accused two Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Sifisokuhle Nkani Ntul are on trial for the killing of Meyiwa.
They have pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of firearms without a license and possession of ammunition. The trial continues.
