Plot to Assassinate Officials Involved in Senzo Meyiwa Trial Uncovered
Pretoria – South African Police are investigating a conspiracy to murder members of the judiciary, police, and prosecution involved in the high-profile Senzo Meyiwa murder case. The investigation was triggered by solid intelligence suggesting a group of individuals were attending court proceedings with the intention of assassinating state officials involved in the trial.
National police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe confirmed that a case of conspiracy to commit murder had been registered and under investigation for some time. "We have received solid intelligence that a group of individuals attend court proceedings with the sole purpose of looking for an opportunity to assassinate or eliminate state officials that are involved in the Senzo Meyiwa trial," said Mathe.
The unfolding drama saw police apprehend three men inside the Pretoria high court on Tuesday, taking them in for questioning as part of their investigation. Simultaneously, outside the court, four men matching the profiles of individuals under investigation fled as police approached.
"Three individuals [were taken in] for questioning and profiling. We have seized certain gadgets for further investigation… This [case] is serious, its not rumours. There is a group that is on a mission to kill certain people and today we were proactive in our approach," Mathe stated, emphasising the gravity of the situation.
According to Mathe, the police action aimed to identify and unmask the individuals involved in the alleged plot. "[We wanted] to be able to identify them so we know who we are dealing with. We haven’t find anything so far. Our investigations continue," she explained.
In response to the threat, security has been heightened, and intelligence is on high alert. "All steps taken are to ensure we eliminate the threat as well as protect and save lives," Mathe affirmed.
The events inside the courtroom caused considerable disruption. Judge Ratha Mokgoathleng, presiding over the Meyiwa trial, sought clarification from the defence team regarding the police activity.
Advocate Charles Mnisi, a member of the defence team, responded, "There are some developments surrounding the case which are not worth being mentioned in the record. We have actually also approached the court with the request that we adjourn."
Judge Mokgoathleng pressed Mnisi for further details, stating that he needed to be informed about what was happening. "Have they arrested somebody?" Mokgoathleng inquired. However, Mnisi declined to answer, citing that his hands were tied, before resuming his seat.
Advocate Zithulele Nxumalo, another member of the defence team, informed the court that there had been some developments but said he did not want to place them on record before taking instructions from his client.
Judge Mokgoathleng expressed his incredulity at the situation. "Have you ever heard of such a thing?" he asked. "Here is a judge, sitting, and then he is told that there are developments. When the judge asks which developments [then you say] ‘We’d rather not mention them’."
Despite the judge's insistence, Nxumalo maintained that he needed to consult with his clients, which he said would require time. Consequently, the matter was adjourned until Wednesday.
The Senzo Meyiwa trial has been a long and arduous process, marked by numerous delays and controversies. Meyiwa, who was the captain of the South African national football team, was shot and killed in 2014. The trial of the alleged perpetrators has been closely followed by the public, and any potential threats to the integrity of the legal proceedings are treated with the utmost seriousness.
The investigation into the alleged assassination plot is ongoing, and police are appealing to anyone with information to come forward. The safety and security of those involved in the Meyiwa trial are of paramount importance, and authorities are taking all necessary measures to ensure their protection. The adjournment of the trial underscores the seriousness of the situation and the need for a thorough investigation into the alleged plot. The legal proceedings are expected to resume once the authorities have addressed the security concerns and the defence team has had the opportunity to consult with their clients.
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