Senzo Meyiwa’s friend Tumelo wanted to tell the truth when he died

Sifiso Meyiwa, who is the brother of slain soccer star Senzo Meyiwa, says Tumelo Madlala wanted to tell the truth when the former Bafana Bafana captain was shot and killed on 26 October 2014 at his then-girlfriend Kelly Khumalo’s family home in Vosloorus.

In a recent interview with eNCA, Sifiso said that the Tumelo who testified in court is not the Tumelo they know and who loved the footballer.

“Tumelo was so fond of Senz, he used to say that he would die for him,” Sifiso told eNCA journalists Manqoba Mchunu.

He further said that a lot happened immediately after his brother’s murder.

“They took Tumelo to a sangoma. I believe he was cloned… That isn’t the Tumelo we know. The real Tumelo would have told the truth.

“They are protecting someone because on the day Senzo died, someone who was present (whom I will not mention) heard an angry Tumelo saying ‘you brought me from Umlazi to see this nonsense.’ They were blocking him and when they said a cover-up story was needed, Tumelo said ‘No! I will not do that’.

“He [Tumelo] wanted to tell the truth, but they took him to a sangoma,” Sifiso said.

While being cross-examination by defence counsel Advocate Zithulele Nxumalo at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on 10 August, Tumelo angrily denied some of the evidence given by Kelly.

In her statement, the Bazokhumula singer said that she saw Senzo Meyiwa, Mthokozisi Thwala and Tumelo struggling with one of the intruders who allegedly entered the house that night.

“I saw a spot of blood on his back and then I turned him over and I saw a lot of blood on his chest,” Nxumalo said, reading from the singer’s statement.

“He fell onto the couch and I held him while screaming for help. At that time, the gunman was still in the house and my son was standing next to him,” Kelly was quoted

Adv. Nxumalo – who is representing accused number four, Mthokoziseni Maphisa – said that Kelly’s statement was in contrast to Tumelo’s testimony, as he said he only saw sprinkles or spots of blood.

Responding, Tumelo said: “That statement… I want that one to come and explain that because even the blood she’s talking about, I don’t know where she saw it. What I remember is that there were only blood spots in the house.”

He also disputed Kelly’s statement that Mthokozisi fought any of the intruders. Tumelo said he was adamant that Mthokozisi did not fight anyone as he is not a violent person.

Tumelo continued: “I’d be happy if you put that statement aside and let that person come here and explain that nonsense.”

Accused 1 – Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya

Accused 2 – Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi

Accused 3 – Mthobisi Prince Mncube

Accused 4 – Mthokoziseni Maphisa

Accused 5 – Sifisokuhle Nkani Ntuli

They are all standing trial for premeditated murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of firearms without a licence and possession of ammunition.