Senzo Meyiwa murder: Suspected gunman, Kelly Khumalo & Longwe Twala allegedly had same picture of money on their phones

Senzo Meyiwa murder: Suspected gunman, Kelly Khumalo and Longwe Twala allegedly had the same picture of money on their phones!

The Pretoria High Court has heard startling new evidence in the ongoing trial of the five men accused of murdering former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, Senzo Meyiwa. On Friday, Brigadier Bongani Gininda, the lead investigating officer in the case, continued his testimony, connecting critical details in the State’s investigation.

Among the most significant revelations was that three individuals—one of them the alleged gunman—had the same image of money in a see-through bag saved on their cellphones.

The image in question, which showed bundles of R100 and R200 notes in a transparent money bag, was found on the phone of Mthobisi Mncube, the man accused of pulling the trigger and killing Senzo Meyiwa. But what makes this detail even more intriguing is that the same image was also found on the phones of Kelly Khumalo, a singer who was in a romantic relationship with Meyiwa at the time of his death, and Longwe Twala, who was present in the house on the night of the murder.

Sergeant Moses Mabasa, a cellphone analyst who had previously testified, told the court that during the analysis of Mncube’s cellphone, the photograph of the money was saved under the name “impande yesono,” a Zulu phrase meaning “the root of all evil.” This label has sparked speculation about the possible motives behind Meyiwa’s murder and has been presented by the State as evidence of a conspiracy or premeditation. According to the State, the presence of this image on the phones of key figures involved in the case may suggest a financial incentive linked to the crime.

Brigadier Gininda, during his testimony, added that this same photograph was found in the downloads on Longwe Twala’s phone, although he did not elaborate further on the significance of this connection. Twala, the son of music producer Chicco Twala, has been a person of interest throughout the investigation, given that he was one of the individuals present at Khumalo’s home when Meyiwa was shot in October 2014. Despite being in the house at the time, Twala has maintained his innocence, and Gininda revealed on Thursday that he had ruled Twala out as the gunman in the case.

While the presence of the same image on the phones of the accused raises many questions, the State’s theory is that Kelly Khumalo orchestrated the murder. According to the prosecution, Khumalo allegedly contracted the five men currently on trial to carry out a hit on Meyiwa, although the reasons for this alleged plot have not been conclusively detailed in court. The case has been marked by delays and complications, with different versions of what transpired on the night of the murder emerging over the years.

Meyiwa was shot and killed at Khumalo’s home in Vosloorus, Gauteng, in what was initially described as a botched robbery. However, as the investigation deepened, alternative theories began to surface, leading to the current trial, in which the State is attempting to prove that Meyiwa’s death was not a random act of violence, but rather a targeted hit. The five men standing trial are charged with murder, robbery, and illegal possession of firearms.

Brigadier Gininda’s testimony has been central to piecing together the events that led to the arrest of the accused. He explained to the court how police connected the dots, ultimately placing Mncube, the alleged gunman, on their radar. One of the most crucial aspects of the trial has been the analysis of cell phone data, which has revealed critical links between the accused.

Despite the compelling evidence presented thus far, the defense has remained firm in its claims of innocence, arguing that the men on trial are being framed and that the real perpetrators remain at large. Meanwhile, the families of both Meyiwa and the accused continue to wait for justice to be served.

As the trial progresses, more details are expected to emerge regarding the money photo and its potential significance in linking the accused to the crime. With Brigadier Gininda’s testimony set to continue, the State hopes to strengthen its case and prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the murder of Senzo Meyiwa was the result of a carefully orchestrated plan.