On the third anniversary of Meyiwa’s death, his father seeks answers

Published Oct 22, 2017

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JOHANNESBURG – The pain of losing a supportive son and a breadwinner cuts so deep for Sam Meyiwa that it feels as if the murder of his son, Senzo, who was a Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates’ goalkeeper, happened only yesterday.

Meyiwa was speaking on the eve of the third anniversary of his son’s murder.

Senzo was shot and killed at the family home of his girlfriend, singer Kelly Khumalo, in Spruitview, near Vosloorus on the East Rand, on October 26, 2014.

It is alleged that two men entered the house and demanded cellphones, money and valuables.

Those said to have been present were Kelly, her mother Ntombi, sister Zandi, the son of music producer Chicco Twala, Longwe, and Senzo’s friends, Tumelo Madladla and Mthokozisi Twala.

The 61-year-old father spoke to the Sunday Independent about his pain and financial struggle while he is still waiting for Senzo’s payout from an insurance policy from the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

Last year Meyiwa told the Sunday Independent that Orlando Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza had assured him that the almost R5 million PSL insurance policy due to Meyiwa’s beneficiaries would be paid out in less than three weeks.

However, this week Meyiwa said he still hadn’t received the money.

“It is so painful; it is as if it happened yesterday. Senzo was supportive of us financially. Now that he is gone, we are struggling to make ends meet.

“We haven’t heard anything from the police, and the years are going by. His killers have not yet been found.”

Senzo Meyiwa's father Sam, still can't believe his son isn't around anymore. Photo: BackPagePix

Meyiwa said he has fond memories of his son, “who liked to laugh”.

“He was a loving and kind person. He didn’t like other people to be mistreated. He liked to help other people as much as he could. He wanted people to be happy.”

He recalled how Senzo would call him before every match to ask him to pray with him.

“Can you pray for me?” he would ask.

“I would say to him, ‘My son Senzo, the ancestors are also with you in spirit’.”

Meyiwa said his hopes were raised earlier this year after Police Minister Fikile Mbalula contacted him directly via SMS, promising that he would prioritise the investigation of his son’s murder and that he would work hard to resolve the case.

But this week, police spokesperson Vish Naidoo said: “This case is still under investigation by the SA Police Service. No arrests have been made as yet.”

The Meyiwa family and friends will mark Senzo’s death with a three-day prayer gathering from October 26 to 29 and a visit to his grave to pay their respects.

Anyone with any information that could assist the police investigation should contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or SMS Crime Line at 32211.

Sunday Independent

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