South African gospel singer Kelly Khumalo has been accused of orchestrating the murder of her then-boyfriend, football star Senzo Meyiwa, according to court testimony.
Mr. Meyiwa was shot while attempting to shield Ms. Khumalo from armed robbers in 2014. Five suspects were apprehended in 2020.
Lead investigator Bongani Gininda informed the Gauteng High Court on Wednesday that Ms. Khumalo allegedly coordinated “a contractual assassination or hit.”
Ms. Khumalo’s spokesperson informed the BBC that they have faith in the legal process. While Ms. Khumalo couldn’t provide comment, her legal team is actively addressing the situation.
The trial of those implicated in Mr. Meyiwa’s murder, a former national football team captain and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper, has captivated the nation.
Ms. Khumalo came under suspicion after police documents were leaked in 2020 following the suspects’ arrests. Her lawyer stated at the time that the gospel singer had no knowledge of the individuals involved.
According to Mr. Gininda’s testimony, one suspect confessed that Ms. Khumalo instructed them to kill Mr. Meyiwa.
The lead investigator also mentioned that Ms. Khumalo had connections to the suspects through phone records. Last year, Colonel Lambertus Steyn testified that Ms. Khumalo had communicated with one of the accused before Mr. Meyiwa’s murder.
Furthermore, Ms. Khumalo had a photo of money in a transparent bag on her phone, a picture found on one of the suspect’s devices.
The court is evaluating the admissibility of the confession statements, with two suspects claiming they were made under duress.
Ms. Khumalo and Mr. Meyiwa shared a child, but according to Mr. Gininda, their relationship had soured. He stated that Ms. Khumalo “hated him and wanted to get rid of him,” citing communication records between Ms. Khumalo and her sister from early 2013 as evidence of her intentions.
