In a gripping moment during the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, the third state witness, Nthabiseng Mokete, took the stand at the Pretoria High Court on Wednesday. Mokete, who is a neighbor to singer Kelly Khumalo, provided chilling details about the tragic night that claimed the life of the former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana captain.
Desperate Plea for Help
Mokete vividly described the intense scene that unfolded in Vosloorus. She recalled being approached by Zandi Khumalo, Kelly Khumalo’s sister, who was in a state of panic and begged for help to call an ambulance. According to Mokete, Zandi’s distressed cries painted a heartbreaking picture of the chaos that followed the fatal shooting.
While giving her testimony, Mokete recounted being in a car with a friend parked outside her home when they heard a series of sounds. An argument ensued between them about whether the sounds were gunshots. Drawing on her upbringing near a hostel where she became familiar with the sound of gunfire, Mokete insisted they were indeed gunshots.Her fears were confirmed when another gunshot rang out, closer to the vehicle. Mokete recalled seeing three men running towards a nearby park after the gunfire. Interpreting their actions as an attempt to flee the scene, she urged her friend to leave the car to avoid danger.
In the midst of the chaos, Zandi Khumalo sprinted towards Mokete’s car, desperately pleading for help after the shooting of Senzo Meyiwa. Mokete described seeing the layout of Kelly Khumalo’s yard from her vantage point, adding crucial context to the series of events.
Mokete recounted following the vehicle that transported Senzo Meyiwa to Botshelong Hospital. She tearfully described the devastating moment when the football star was placed on a stretcher and rushed into the facility. Her emotional testimony reached its peak as she recalled entering a hospital room and learning that despite the medical staff’s efforts, Senzo could not be saved.
Neighbors Join the Pursuit
Adding to the emotional testimony, Khaya Ngcatshe, another neighbor of the Khumalo family, described his experience that night. Ngcatshe detailed how he and other community members tried to chase down the alleged perpetrators fleeing into a nearby park. He expressed the deep emotional impact of seeing Meyiwa’s lifeless body, highlighting the footballer’s significance as a hero to the community.