The five men accused of soccer star Senzo Meyiwa’s murder appear in the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria. Picture: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
A police officer who was part of the investigating unit that was tasked with solving the murder case of Senzo Meyiwa testified that accused number one, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, willingly confessed to the crime after his arrest.
Sergeant Bathobakae Mogola was testifying in a trial-within-a-trial in the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, on Monday.
Mogola was testifying about events that unfolded regarding the arrest of accused number one, Sibiya.
Sibiya and accused number two, Bongani Ntanzi, claim that they have been assaulted, tortured and electrocuted by police officers to confess to Meyiwa’s murder.
The trial-within-a-trial is being heard to determine whether the confessions made by the two accused were made under duress or willingly.
According to Mogola, she was in the company of Sergeant Sadiki and Sergeant Buthelezi when they went looking for Sibiya at his place in Thembisa and found him.
They searched his shack and found ammunition, a magazine, and the cleaning rod.
When asked about the items, Sibiya took ownership.
When asked about the gun, he said the gun was his friend’s from Vusumuzi Hostel in Thembisa.
They then drove to the hostel to look for the gun but didn’t find it.
After the unsuccessful search, she took an opportunity to question Sibiya about his involvement in Meyiwa’s murder.
“When he responded to the question, I could see that he was making admissions. I reminded him of his constitutional rights, and he went further to tell me,” said Mogano.
After the confession, she then asked him if he was comfortable if she shared the information with her boss, and he said he didn’t have a problem.
“I then called Brigadier Gininda and informed him about the admission made by accused number one (Sibiya).”
She said other officers, Constable Maphumulo and Monareng, came and took Sibiya to Diepkloof Police Station in Soweto, where he made his confession in front Colonel Mhlanganyelwa Mbotho.
She said she remained in the office.
Mogano will continue to testify on Tuesday.
IOL