The murder case of former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa has been postponed following the death of the defence lawyer of one of the accused.
Advocate Thulani Mngomezulu, the lawyer of accused number one, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, died on Tuesday after a short illness. Sibiya allegedly confessed to Meyiwa’s murder.
Meyiwa was shot and killed on 26 October 2014 at his girlfriend Kelly Khumalo’s house in Vosloorus – Gauteng.
Five men, Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Ziphozonke Maphisa and Sifisokuhle Ntuli, have been standing trial at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria since 2022.
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In a family statement released on Tuesday, Mngomezulu died at a hospital in Vosloorus.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and son,” reads the statement. “We confirm his untimely passing in the early hours of 10 December 2024 at a hospital in Vosloorus.
“In this time of grief, we ask for your compassion, space and time to congregate as a family to decide on the upcoming days. We thank you for the love and support in advance and ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers.”
Mngomezulu had been following court proceedings from home for several weeks due to illness.
He testified last year, revealing concerns for his safety earlier this year. Mngomezulu informed the court that he believed his life was in danger after two “suspicious individuals” visited his residence.
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Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng informed Sibiya that the trial could not proceed until he secured a legal representative. He has postponed the matter to 8 January 2025 for a special sitting and 20 January for the resumption of the case.
“You have a choice which you must exercise. I won’t influence you [and] I can’t tell you what to do,” Mokgoatlheng told Sibiya.
“You have the right to either defend yourself or to appoint another defence counsel.”
Sibiya was also advised to consult his family, as his uncle had been financing his legal costs.
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