Lead investigator clarifies that the NPA never refused to issue a warrant for Kelly Khumalo’s arrest, despite her being named in suspect confessions in the ongoing Meyiwa murder trial.
Senzo Meyiwa Trial: In a dramatic turn during cross-examination in the Pretoria High Court, the lead investigator in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, Brigadier Bongani Gininda, revealed that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) never refused to issue a warrant for the arrest of singer Kelly Khumalo.
This testimony dispels widespread speculation that the NPA deliberately withheld charges against Khumalo, who was present during the 2014 murder of the Orlando Pirates goalkeeper.
Background: The Night That Changed Everything
Senzo Meyiwa was fatally shot on 26 October 2014 while visiting Kelly Khumalo at her mother’s home in Vosloorus, Gauteng. What was initially framed as a botched robbery has since unravelled into a deeply complex and contentious murder case involving claims of a contract killing.
Five men — Fisokuhle Ntuli, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Mncube, and Mthokoziseni Maphisa — are on trial, facing charges ranging from murder to unlawful possession of firearms. All have pleaded not guilty.
‘Not a Refusal’ – Gininda Sets the Record Straight
Under tough questioning from Advocate Charles Mnisi, who represents accused one and three, Gininda clarified the NPA’s stance on a proposed arrest warrant for Khumalo.
“There was no refusal to issue the arrest warrant,” Gininda testified. “We never reached a deadlock. The DPP [Director of Public Prosecutions] gave further instructions on how they wanted to proceed with the case.”
He added that an application for a warrant was submitted in November 2020, based on evidence from confession statements implicating Khumalo in what he described as a “contractual killing.”
Gininda also noted that Khumalo had multiple cellphone numbers — four in total — but only two were disclosed to police at the time of the incident.
RELATED: Pretoria DPP Dodges Kelly Khumalo and Senzo Meyiwa Trial Questions, Highlights 91.9% Conviction Rate
Contract Killing Allegations and Cellphone Evidence
According to the confessions of Sibiya and Ntanzi, Khumalo allegedly ordered the hit on Meyiwa. Further evidence revealed that Fisokuhle Ntuli, accused number five, contacted Khumalo on two occasions shortly before the murder took place.
Gininda testified that based on the “totality” of evidence, including undisclosed phone numbers and consistent references to Khumalo in confessions, the investigation naturally led to the theory of a planned assassination rather than an opportunistic crime.
“There could have been no other way, but to conclude that this was a contractual killing,” he stated.
The Court’s View on Arrest Decisions
Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng interjected to clarify the legal protocol surrounding arrest warrants.
“The NDPP is the only authority that decides on authorising an arrest warrant and prosecuting an individual,” said the judge, reinforcing that investigators can only present findings, not enforce charges.
Gininda echoed this, stressing that decisions on prosecution rest entirely with the NPA. “It would be unfair to put me in a position to speak on behalf of the NPA,” he said. “I did my part. I presented the evidence.”
Where the Case Stands Now
With the trial ongoing and public interest showing no sign of fading, the role of Khumalo in Meyiwa’s death remains a point of intense debate. While she has not been charged, the continued scrutiny and emerging revelations keep her in the spotlight.
The trial resumes next week, with further testimony expected to clarify the timeline, motives, and communication between all involved parties.
Also read: Senzo Meyiwa Murder Trial: Judge Expresses Frustration as Accused Seeks Suspension of Trial
