‘Those people in court are not the right suspects’ Sifiso Meyiwa on Senzo case

Family protest and the claim

The marchers chanted “Voetsek Khumalo” and carried placards reading #nojustice #novotes and #justice for Senzo as they called for answers about the killing of the former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates captain.

Sifiso Meyiwa, Senzo’s brother, said he believes the people in court are not the right suspects. He spoke emotionally about the night his brother was killed and told reporters the family had been told by someone present at the scene that the shooting was a mistake.

Family account of what happened

“Those people in court are not the right suspects,”

According to Sifiso, a friend who was in the house that night, Tumelo Madlala, called the family and said he was shot by mistake. Sifiso also said he had been told Senzo was not shot by criminals but was hit by a stray bullet while trying to separate Zandile Khumalo and her boyfriend, because they were fighting.

Second docket and ongoing legal process

The article notes that a second docket was opened in January 2019, five years after the murder. That docket implicates Kelly Khumalo and those who were present at the crime scene.

According to the director of public prosecutions in Pretoria, a final decision on the second docket will only be made once the trial is concluded.

Expert voices and family perspective

Witness Maluleke, head of department in criminology and criminal justice at the University of Limpopo, said the signs of arresting and prosecuting the wrong suspects were clear and described the family’s long ordeal.

“Meyiwa’s family has suffered multiple betrayals and never-ending wounds for more than a decade. Expecting justice to be served remains a hopeless hope for them.”

Criminal law expert Cornelia van Graan framed the case as an illustration of systemic problems in the justice system, saying the suspects might be in court but the system was failing victims.

“In South Africa, we have a serious problem with a defunded, destabilised and understaffed justice system. It is the victims like Meyiwa who pay the price.”

Parliamentary comment

Ian Cameron, chair of the National Assembly portfolio committee on police, said he understood the family’s frustration but added that the law must take its course and the trial needs to be completed.

What remains

The family’s protest and the differing dockets demonstrate the contested and emotional nature of the investigation into Senzo Meyiwa’s death. Questions about who will ultimately be held responsible, and whether the correct suspects are facing trial, will be tested as the legal process continues.