Irvin Khoza dismissed claims of intruders at Kelly Khumalo’s home, court told

Orlando Pirates and Premier Soccer League chairman Dr Irvin Khoza allegedly denounced claims that there were intruders at Kelly Khumalo’s family home in Vosloorus the night Senzo Meyiwa was murdered on 26 October 2014.

This is according to a statement read out by Advocate Thulani Mngomezulu in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria during the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial on Monday, 22 April.

The statement, given by Senzo’s brother, Sifiso Meyiwa, alleges that he had a conversation with Khoza before the footballer’s funeral.

Mngomezulu, who is representing accused’s number one and two, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya and Bongani Ntanzi, said the statement revealed Khoza informed Senzo’s brother that the story about intruders entering the house was not true.

In his statement, Sifiso said he was picked up by a Pirates employee, on 28 October, who took him to the football club’s premises.

“After a while, Mr Irvin Khoza came. Myself, Mr Khoza and his son, who was driving a Porsche Cayenne. Mr Khoza told me were going to choose a coffin,” read the statement.

When they arrived at the funeral parlour, Sifiso said Senzo’s wife, Mandisa Mkhize, was present and a coffin was chosen.

“I would like to state that Mr Irvin Khoza told me that Senzo was not shot by robbers. These were the actual words of Mr Irvin Khoza ‘Boy, Senzo was not shot by intruders. No intruders entered the house. Senzo was shot by mistake. There was a fight between Zandie and her boyfriend,’” read the statement.

However, according to State prosecutor George Baloyi, Khoza submitted a statement refuting the claims made by Sifiso.

In response, Mngomezulu said: “Mr Irvin Khoza enjoys no privileges not to come here and testify and refute this. He can be subpoenaed to come here.”

Mngomezulu also revealed that he would call a witness who would tell the court that he received a call from Tumelo Madlala, Senzo’s close friend who was among the people in the house, and was told that it was Longwe Twala who shot the soccer star.

“According to the evidence I have as the defence, Senzo was shot when he was separating Longwe (Twala) and Zandie (Khumalo) who were fighting.

“When Longwe came to Kelly Khumalo’s house he was drunk and was in possession of a 38 special, a revolver. According to my witnesses, there were three shots that were fired and three people were injured as a result. Senzo was shot dead, Longwe shot himself in the ankle and the last shot was fired on the floor. As a result, Zandi got injured.”