The focal point of last week centered on the firearm and corresponding ammunition employed in the tragic demise of Senzo Meyiwa, with an anticipation of testimony from a forthcoming witness.

Senzo Meyiwa, born on September 24, 1987, in Umlazi, Durban, South Africa, was a revered professional soccer player and goalkeeper. His illustrious career included captaincy roles with Orlando Pirates and the South African national team, Bafana Bafana. Tragically, Meyiwa's life was cut short on October 26, 2014, in a fatal shooting during a reported home invasion at his girlfriend Kelly Khumalo's residence in Vosloorus. The unresolved nature of Meyiwa's murder has had a profound impact on the South African sporting community, with ongoing efforts to bring those responsible to justice remaining a matter of public concern.

April 7, 2022: Muzikawukhulelwa Sthemba Sibiya (34) received a 12-year prison sentence for attempted murder in a separate case, just days before the Meyiwa trial was set to resume. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) revealed that he was convicted for attempting to murder Ntombenhle Ndaba and Mfanelo Mbatha in a hail of bullets, but both victims miraculously survived. Additionally, he faced accusations of shooting his girlfriend in December 2014, allegedly due to her threat of exposing his involvement in the murder of Senzo Meyiwa, to which he had purportedly confessed to his girlfriend.

April 11, 2022: The trial encountered a shaky start as Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela postponed the proceedings to the following Tuesday. The decision came after advocate Zandile Mshololo, representing Sifisokuhle Nkani Ntuli, raised concerns about inadequate time to consult with her client.

In an unexpected turn of events, a previously undisclosed witness emerged in the murder trial of renowned soccer star Senzo Meyiwa, prompting an unforeseen development in the proceedings. This witness, not included in the initial list, delivered testimony that brought forth a cascade of revelations. Shockingly, during the witness's testimony, one of the five accused individuals made threatening gestures, introducing a tense atmosphere into the courtroom.

Constable Sizwe Zungu initiated his testimony on Thursday at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, having been in the company of the five accused men implicated in Meyiwa's murder on October 26, 2014. The setting was one of conviviality, with the group sharing drinks and enjoying each other's company.

Key points from Zungu's testimony include:

1. Social Gathering at Vosloorus Hostel:

Zungu recounted that on the pivotal night, he visited his nephew, Sifiso Gwabini Zungu, who was in the company of the accused. They were in high spirits, participating in festivities at the Vosloorus hostel.

2. Entrance of the Accused:

At approximately 8 pm or 9 pm, accused number one, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, accused number two, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, and accused number three, Mthobisi Mncube, entered the room, visibly perturbed.

3. Revelation of Firearms:

Following the accused into the bedroom out of curiosity, Zungu witnessed Sibiya and Mncube in possession of firearms—a revolver and a 9mm, respectively. Accused number four, Ziphozonke Maphisa, and accused number five, Fisokuhle Ntuli, arrived later, with Ntuli changing his jacket from black to grey.

4. Prior Knowledge of Meyiwa's Death:

Zungu affirmed that Sibiya disclosed knowledge of Meyiwa's death before it became public information. This revelation prompted Zungu to verify the details on social media.

5. Whiskey Celebration:

Upon the accused individuals' return, Sibiya celebrated Meyiwa's death with a bottle of whiskey, exuding an unsettling combination of pride and joy.

6. Alleged Threats and Targeting:

Zungu asserted that in November 2019, he became the target of intimidation by the families of Sibiya and Ntuli. Recounting an incident where individuals from their families, one wielding a gun, attempted to intimidate him.

As the trial progresses, Zungu is scheduled for cross-examination on Monday. Given concerns for his safety arising from the accused's threatening gestures, the court has mandated a police escort to retrieve notes from Zungu's residence. The heightened security around the witness, currently residing in a safe house, underscores the gravity of the situation. The evolving events within the trial present a multifaceted narrative surrounding the circumstances of Meyiwa's tragic death on October 26, 2014.