By: Natasha Archary
The next State witness in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial has requested that her testimony not be broadcast to media.
This brings proceedings in the Meyiwa trial to a halt yet again, as court adjourned briefly on Monday, 15 May to allow media an opportunity to establish whether to challenge the witness’ application.
Believed to be Zandie Khumalo Gumede, the sister to singer Kelly Khumalo who was dating Meyiwa at the time of his murder, the witness is reportedly worried that her testimony will be picked apart and left open to public scrutiny if she takes to the stand in the presence of media.
Zandie who was one of the occupants inside the house on the night Meyiwa was gunned down in her family home in Vosloorus, has previously shared that her family doesn’t want media present for any of their testimonies.
In September 2022, Kelly’s younger sister confirmed she will be testifying in the murder trial that has captured South Africa’s full attention.
Zandie, was accused by Advocate Tshepo Timothy Thobane, who is representing four of the five men accused of killing Meyiwa, of having an affair with the former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates footballer.
Adv. Thobane suggested that Zandie was involved in a sexual relationship with Meyiwa which started when her sister Kelly was travelling and performing for months on end.
The Advocate claims that Senzo Meyiwa was shot and killed by one of the Khumalo family members after the truth about Zandie and the footballer’s relationship came to light.
On Monday, Advocate George Baloyi briefed media about the next witness’ request for her testimony to not be broadcast, livestreamed or captured in any way.
“The witness is worried about her safety. She has to perform in public from time to time and fears her life may be in danger.”
This is a developing story.
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