JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – Shocking revelations emerged in a South African court on Wednesday, implicating singer Kelly Khumalo in the alleged orchestration of a hit that led to the killing of Senzo Meyiwa, the former captain of the South African national football team.
Brigadier Bongani Gininda, the lead investigator, revealed that two of the five charged individuals confessed under oath, asserting that they were hired by Khumalo.
Gininda disclosed that evidence found on Kelly Khumalo’s phone indicates communication with two other suspects before and after Meyiwa‘s death on October 26, 2014, challenging the initial belief that the incident was a botched robbery.
He stated, “The victim was murdered as a contractual assassination or hit, rather than robbery gone wrong.”
Despite the startling revelations, prosecutors have not yet charged Kelly Khumalo, citing the need for further investigation.
Gininda emphasized that certain aspects required additional scrutiny before formal charges could be brought against her.
The court proceedings unfolded during a “trial within a trial” as defense lawyers sought to challenge the admissibility of confessions, arguing that suspects were subjected to undue pressure and mistreatment.
Meyiwa was shot during a visit to Khumalo’s mother’s house in Vosloorus township near Johannesburg.
The alleged gunmen entered the house, shooting the 27-year-old Orlando Pirates goalkeeper.
The incident involved Kelly Khumalo’s sister, Zandile, her boyfriend, Longwe Twala, and Meyiwa’s friends visiting from KwaZulu-Natal.
Notably, only Khumalo’s phone was stolen during the incident.
Gininda highlighted confessions from Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya and Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, claiming Khumalo orchestrated the hit on Meyiwa, who was the father of her child.
The prosecution also revealed records of phone calls and undisclosed mobile numbers associated with Khumalo.
Moreover, Gininda cited text messages from Kelly Khumalo expressing discontent with Meyiwa and her desire to be free from the relationship.
These messages were sent to her sister Zandi, providing insight into Khumalo’s feelings at the time.
Defense lawyers argued that the confessions should be declared inadmissible, claiming the suspects were coerced.
The trial will resume on Thursday, addressing arguments about the admissibility of statements and continuing the examination of the charged individuals.
All five accused parties have pleaded not guilty to charges, including murder, robbery, possession of an unlicensed firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and conspiracy to commit murder.
