Deputy National Commissioner Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya confirms criminal syndicates have infiltrated law enforcement nationwide, including KwaZulu-Natal, and denies any wrongdoing in the ongoing investigation into Senzo Meiwa’s killing.
Image: File
Newly appointed National Director of Public Prosecutions, Andy Mothibi, says the long-running murder trial of slain football star Senzo Meyiwa, has a chance of succeeding.
Speaking during a media briefing in Pretoria, Mothibi said he had received a briefing that pointed to possible success for the prosecution.
“I have been briefed sufficiently to indicate that there are prospects of success,” he said.
His remarks come as the high-profile trial continues to attract widespread attention across South Africa, more than a decade after Meyiwa was shot and killed in an incident initially described as a botched robbery.
The briefing was Mothibi’s first official engagement with the media since taking over as head of the National Prosecuting Authority. He assumed the role following the tenure of former NDPP Shamila Batohi.
Newly appointed National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Andy Mothibi.
Image: Supplied / GCIS
When asked about the closely watched case, Mothibi remained cautious, declining to discuss the details of the evidence but expressing confidence in the prosecutors leading the matter.
“I have been briefed sufficiently to indicate that there are prospects of success,” he said.
The statement adds renewed attention to a case that has long been under public scrutiny and has faced multiple delays.
During the same briefing, Mothibi also outlined his priorities for the NPA, saying the institution must focus on rebuilding public confidence and improving its capacity to prosecute complex and high-profile crimes.
The trial related to Meyiwa’s death remains one of the most closely followed criminal proceedings in the country, with many people still seeking clarity about what happened on the night the Bafana Bafana captain was killed.
Addressing questions about the pace of the case, Mothibi said tackling case backlogs would be among the NPA’s priorities.
“Some of the cases – I mean, you use the word ‘dragging’, which has a connotation that the case may have been unjustifiably on the roll or not being completed,” he said.
Speaking specifically about the Meyiwa trial, Mothibi said he had briefly interacted with the prosecution team while visiting the Gauteng Local Division of the High Court, where the matter is currently being heard.
“The prosecution team has really briefed me sufficiently to indicate that there are prospects of success.”
“I’ll put it that way. Of course, that is a prosecution process that is underway,” he told reporters.
“I would really not want to go into detail on that. But the prosecution has briefed me that they are doing their part and working hard – really hard – despite the complexities and the amount of evidence they must go through.
“They are doing their part, and I would like to urge the public to give them the space and the opportunity to prosecute without fear, favour or prejudice,” he added.
Meanwhile, the five men accused of killing Meyiwa appeared again in the dock at the Pretoria High Court on Thursday.
Meyiwa, a former captain of Bafana Bafana and goalkeeper for Orlando Pirates, was shot and killed in October 2014 at the home of his girlfriend, singer Kelly Khumalo, in Vosloorus.
Nearly 12 years have passed since the incident.
Five men are currently standing trial for the murder:
Muzikawulahlelwa Sibiya (Accused 1)
Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi (Accused 2)
Mthobisi Prince Mncube (Accused 3)
Mthokoziseni Ziphozonke Maphisa (Accused 4)
Sifisokuhle Nkani Ntuli (Accused 5)
The accused face multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of ammunition.