In a dramatic turn of events during the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, the third state witness, Nthabiseng Mokete, who happens to be singer Kelly Khumalo’s neighbor, took the stand at the Pretoria High Court on Wednesday.
Mokete recounted the harrowing night when the former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana skipper was fatally shot, providing crucial details that shed light on the chaotic scene.
Mokete vividly described the moment when Zandi Khumalo, in a distressed state, urgently approached her, pleading for assistance in calling an ambulance. The atmosphere was tense as Mokete recalled the frantic exchange, painting a picture of the immediate aftermath of the tragic incident that unfolded in Vosloorus.
While giving her testimony, Mokete revealed an unsettling encounter she had with her friend inside a car parked outside her home. The two found themselves in a disagreement over the nature of a series of sounds they had heard.
Mokete asserted that she recognized the distinct sound of gunshots, drawing on her upbringing near a hostel where she became familiar with such sounds. The argument escalated as another gunshot rang out, closer to their vehicle, confirming Mokete’s initial assessment
As the tension heightened, Mokete noticed three men running towards a nearby park after the gunfire. Sensing danger, she suggested to her friend that they exit the car, interpreting the men’s movements as an attempt to distance themselves from the source of the gunshots. The unfolding drama continued as Zandi Khumalo, in a state of panic, sprinted towards Mokete’s car, urgently imploring them to call an ambulance for the injured Senzo.
Mokete painted a vivid picture of the chaotic scene, describing the layout of Khumalo’s yard from her vantage point in the parked vehicle. Zandi Khumalo’s desperate cries echoed as she conveyed the shocking news of Senzo’s shooting, adding an additional layer of distress to the already tense situation.
Amid the pandemonium, Mokete and her friend decided to follow the vehicle transporting Senzo Meyiwa to the nearby Botshelong Hospital, where they witnessed the heart-wrenching sight of the injured footballer being placed on a stretcher and rushed into the medical facility.
Mokete’s emotional testimony reached a poignant moment as she tearfully recounted entering a room at the hospital, discovering that despite the efforts of the medical staff, Senzo Meyiwa could not be revived.
The courtroom was filled with a somber atmosphere as Mokete’s testimony unfolded, providing crucial details about the immediate aftermath of the tragic incident. The account of Khaya Ngcatshe, the Khumalos’ next-door neighbor, further added to the emotional weight of the trial. Ngcatshe revealed his traumatic experience as part of the community members who attempted to pursue the alleged perpetrators fleeing into a nearby park.