Defence Counsel in Senzo Meyiwa Murder Trial Passes Away

Advocate Thulani Mngomezulu, the defence lawyer for the first murder accused in the high-profile Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, has passed away. His family confirmed his death on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.

Mngomezulu’s family expressed their grief in a statement, confirming that he died in the early hours of December 10, 2024, at a hospital in Vosloorus.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and son. We confirm his untimely passing in the early hours of December 10, 2024, at a hospital in Vosloorus. In this time of grief, we ask for your compassion, space, and time to congregate as a family to decide on the upcoming days. We thank you for the love and support in advance and ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers,” the statement read.

Image: IOL

Mngomezulu had been absent from court for over a month due to illness. He had been representing Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, one of the accused in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial. Sibiya allegedly confessed to being one of the individuals involved in the murder of the soccer star on October 26, 2014, at Kelly Khumalo’s home in Vosloorus.

In January 2024, it was reported that Mngomezulu faced charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and violating a protection order, following a domestic dispute with his wife. The incident allegedly occurred in November 2022. Despite his wife’s attempts to withdraw the charges, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) decided to continue with the prosecution, citing concerns for the safety of the wife and children.

Mngomezulu had attempted to fight the charges, taking the matter to the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.

Mngomezulu’s death has raised questions about the continuation of the Senzo Meyiwa trial, in which his client, Sibiya, is accused of being involved in the murder of the Bafana Bafana captain. The trial is expected to proceed, with new legal representation required for the accused.

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