Chicco Twala's son flees: Police hunt for fugitive Longwe Twala amid shocking Senzo Meyiwa murder claim!

Johannesburg – A month has passed since Longwe Twala, son of renowned musician Sello “Chicco” Twala, failed to appear at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on theft charges, and despite a warrant for his arrest, he remains at large.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, a serious allegation has emerged linking Longwe to the Senzo Meyiwa murder case.

The initial charges against Longwe stem from an incident in September where he allegedly stole approximately R200,000 worth of equipment from his father’s studio while Chicco was in the United States. A case was opened against Longwe and his brother, Sello, but only Longwe’s case proceeded, due to insufficient evidence against Sello.

The situation escalated when Longwe failed to appear in court on 25 October. It then emerged that he had also allegedly stolen his aunt’s two cellphones from her Diepkloof home, the very residence where he was supposed to be staying under his bail conditions. These conditions also required him to report weekly to the Diepkloof Police Station, a requirement he also failed to meet.

Chicco Twala, visibly frustrated by the lack of police action, expressed his concerns to journalists. "I fail to understand why the police in Diepkloof are failing to arrest Longwe when he is busy roaming the streets. If a warrant of arrest was out for me or any other high-profile person, we would have long been arrested and appeared in the media," he stated, accusing the police of laziness.

"I am not going to do the police's job. It's been a month since Longwe failed to appear in court. Are people from Diepkloof safe because my son is a known drug addict? He may steal again while the police are relaxing and not hunting for him down," he added.

Adding to the family's distress, ZiMoja reported spotting Longwe begging in Diepkloof, Soweto, with a group of street children. This sighting further highlights the challenges faced by authorities in locating and apprehending him.

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi stated that the docket remains in court, and action can only be taken once it is returned to the station. However, this statement was contradicted by National Prosecuting Authority Gauteng spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, who clarified that dockets are returned to police stations immediately after a decision is made, even after court appearances.

Chicco has openly acknowledged Longwe’s long-standing struggle with drug addiction, stating that he has been to over 30 rehabilitation centres over the years. Despite his efforts, Longwe’s behaviour continues to cause concern.

When contacted for comment at the time, Chicco reiterated his belief that his son should remain in custody, stating, “I don’t know much I just arrived. But I knew that it was going to happen. And I even told the investigating officer that they must not give him bail. All I can say is that they must arrest him and his sister must open a case against him for theft.”

The situation has taken a dramatically serious turn with the emergence of an allegation linking Longwe to the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial. Advocate Thulani Mngomezulu, representing accused number one, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, claimed that Longwe fired the shot that killed Meyiwa in October 2014.

Mngomezulu stated, “The witness will tell the court that three shots were fired inside the house. One caused injury to Zandile on her leg; the other shot was when Longwe shot himself on the leg during the struggle with Meyiwa, and the third shot killed Meyiwa.”

He added that Longwe’s wound later became septic, requiring medical attention. This allegation adds a layer of serious criminal accusations to the already extensive charges against Longwe Twala, raising significant concerns about his whereabouts and the potential implications for the ongoing Meyiwa trial.