Kgomotso Modise26 October 2024 | 10:00

South Africans belief in the justice system seemingly hinging on the Meyiwa trial

It has been exactly a decade since Meyiwa was shot and killed at the home of his then girlfriend, singer Kelly Khumalo.

South Africans belief in the justice system seemingly hinging on the Meyiwa trial

Senzo Meyiwa trial. Picture: Kgomotso Modise/Eyewitness News

JOHANNESBURG - As South Africa marks ten years since the tragic passing of Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa, the belief of South Africans in the justice system seems to be hinging on the trial of his murder.

It has been exactly a decade since Meyiwa was shot and killed at the home of his then girlfriend, singer Kelly Khumalo.

But it’s taken six years for arrests to be made, and eight years for a trial to get underway – only for it to be restarted a year in with the replacement of the presiding judge.

Over the years, some have questioned the pace of the trial, and the progress made.

Almost immediately after Meyiwa’s murder, the promises from politicians and officials started trickling in.

Many said they thought an arrest would be made days after his funeral.

But it took six years for the five accused to be charged for the footballer’s murder, and four years later, the country remains deeply divided on whether Muzi Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, and Fisokuhle Ntuli were behind Meyiwa’s murder.

While some still believe that the truth will come to light.

“I think justice will be served. We just have to be patient.”

Some already feel let down by the justice system.

“If we really think that the justice system failed someone who was captain, who are we in the greater scheme of things?”

Since their very first appearance at the Boksburg Magistrates Court four years ago, the five accused have maintained their innocence and are adamant to prove it.