Muzi Sibiya, the first accused, is testifying at the Senzo Meyiwa trial. Image: Chriselda Lewis shared via X.
(The Post News) – As Muzi Sibiya, the first accused, wrapped up his evidence-in-chief and was immediately subjected to cross-examination, the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial grew more intense over the course of the last two days. Sibiya is strongly rejecting any connection to the 2014 shooting of the Bafana Bafana captain, claiming police tortured him into a false confession and maintaining his innocence.
Sibiya’s defence is based on his repeated claims that he is “not a killer” and was not in the area of the Vosloorus crime scene, as well as his disassociation from the incidents and the state’s principal witnesses.
Distancing from Co-Accused and State Witness
Sibiya’s cross-examination began on Thursday and mostly focused on his interactions and movements on the day of the murder.
Sibiya was questioned critically about his interactions with Bongani Ntanzi, the second accused. Sibiya acknowledged knowing Ntanzi, but he maintained that on October 26, 2014, the day Meyiwa was murdered, there was “no interaction or communication” between the two, whether in person, over the phone, or in any other way. In addition, he stated that that year, he didn’t even have Ntanzi’s phone number stored on his device.
Constable Sizwe Zungu, a state witness who had positioned all five of the defendants at the Basotho Hostel on the day of the alleged hit, was also directly contested by Sibiya.
“I didn’t know Zungu until 2017.” Sibiya stated, “I never knew him in 2014,” expressing surprise and disbelief that the policeman would jeopardize his oath to accuse him of the murder. As I sit here, I’m scratching my head in confusion. Defense attorney Sipho Ramosepele questioned, “What will make him come here in court, take an oath, and implicate you in a murder scene?” “I cannot speak on his behalf,” was the only response Sibiya could voice.
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