Meyiwa’s mysterious death raising questions about SA's justice system
Saturday marks exactly 10 years since the Bafana Bafana captain was murdered at the home of his then girlfriend, singer Kelly Khumalo.
FILE: Bafana Bafana & Orlando Pirates captain Senzo Meyiwa was shot dead on 26 October 2014. Picture: Official Senzo Meyiwa Facebook page
JOHANNESBURG - The mysterious death of the country’s beloved football captain Senzo Meyiwa has highlighted South Africa’s justice system, raising questions about its efficiency and pace.
Saturday marks exactly 10 years since the Bafana Bafana captain was murdered at the home of his then girlfriend, singer Kelly Khumalo.
While the state believes the five men who are standing trial were contracted by Khumalo to murder Meyiwa, many other narratives still linger.
However, a decade since Meyiwa took his last breath, the trial for his murder is still ongoing, and there is no clear indication of an end in sight.
Eyewitness News spoke to some avid followers of the trial on its pace and progress.
“It feels like every other session gets postponed, and it’s dragging the entire process. The setbacks impact not only the family but also the accused and the public at large.”
A mockery of justice – that’s how the Meyiwa trial has been described by some followers who are desperate for answers on who murdered their favourite footballer a decade ago.
After an entire year of proceedings, the restart button was pressed on the trial, and it had to start de novo after the initial presiding judge, Tshifhiwa Maumela, fell ill.
Since the appointment of Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng, some have been increasingly critical of him and the remarks he often makes during proceedings:
“Is this how Black lawyers behave? Why doesn’t he phone me? This is what counsel or an attorney who has ethical standards does. I listen! I don’t just sit here.”
Since Mokgoatlheng’s appointment, the State has been making its case for just over a year.
Throughout this year, the frustration for progress to be made has been mounting from the judge and even his superiors.
Mokgoatlheng said, “The judge president is perturbed by this case and its pace, wants this case to finish and be finalised because this case affects some persons, and they want to know how it finishes. Now we come back. The record is missing. We want to listen to it.”
With the state edging closer towards wrapping up its case, the court is gearing up to hear from the defence, but it will not likely be a brief or speedy process as all five men accused have their own legal representatives.