Alleged hitman Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi confessed to police that he was paid R45,000 for his role in the murder of South African football star Senzo Meyiwa.
The Pretoria High Court is currently hearing the contents of Ntanzi’s confession statement, which implicates singer Kelly Khumalo as the individual who allegedly initiated and financed the “hit” on Meyiwa.
Meyiwa, a renowned goalkeeper for Orlando Pirates and the South African national team, tragically lost his life to a fatal gunshot wound to the chest at his girlfriend’s family home on October 26, 2014.
Ntanzi is one of five individuals on trial for Meyiwa’s murder, along with Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Mthobisi Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, and Sifisokuhle Nkani Ntuli, all of whom have pleaded not guilty.
During Thursday’s proceedings, Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng ruled that admissions made by Sibiya and Ntanzi were made freely and voluntarily, paving the way for the admission of their confession statements.
On Friday, the state called Lt-Col Solomon Raphadu, who recorded Ntanzi’s confession on June 19, 2020, in Moroka.
According to Ntanzi’s confession, he received a call in mid-October 2014 from a friend, Mthokoziseni, who was with Maphisa and Mncube, informing him of urgent work that needed to be done.
Allegedly, Kelly Khumalo initiated the plan and was to make payment for the job. Ntanzi detailed the events leading up to the murder, including the roles assigned to each individual involved.
Ntanzi described the night of the murder, stating that he and Mncube entered Khumalo’s home while Ntuli served as the driver and Sibiya as a guard.
Maphisa was stationed outside as backup, and surveillance was conducted prior to the operation. A struggle ensued during the burglary, resulting in Meyiwa being fatally shot in the chest.
Following the incident, Ntanzi claimed to have fled with the money and cellphones, leaving Mncube behind, while Maphisa retreated into the house.
Subsequently, Ntanzi received a portion of the payment and was instructed to keep quiet about the incident by Sibiya’s family.
The shocking revelations presented in court shed light on the alleged orchestration of Meyiwa’s murder, implicating Khumalo and several others in the heinous crime. As the trial unfolds, the South African public awaits further developments and justice for the untimely death of Senzo Meyiwa.