Bongani Ntanzi: The Alleged Gun Dealer in Senzo Meyiwa Murder Trial

In what has been a years-long saga dripping with suspense and calls for justice, new details emerge in the high-profile murder case of South African soccer star Senzo Meyiwa. Bongani Ntanzi, accused of involvement in Meyiwa's death, once operated as a clandestine gun dealer distributing weapons to hitmen, the Pretoria High Court heard in dramatic testimony.

Witness Statements and Links to the Underworld

The revelations about Ntanzi’s past activities came from a statement given by Simphiwe Buthelezi, who attested to being a middleman within the illegal firearm trade commanded by Ntanzi. It was Buthelezi's cooperation with law enforcement that led to Ntanzi’s arrest in 2020, shedding light on a potential motive and method in the killing of Meyiwa. Unfortunately, Buthelezi himself, a convicted murderer, met his end in 2022, leaving behind his shocking testimony read out in court by lead investigator Brigadier Bongani Gininda.

An Integral Part of the Investigation

According to the statement, Ntanzi started his descent into the criminal underworld by peddling guns and ammunition. His enterprise evolved into orchestrating contract killings to increase profits. Amongst his purportedly nefarious deeds was the assassination of a high-ranking union member in Marikana, North West Province.

Meyiwa's Death: A Contract Hit

The court listened intently as details unfolded about how Ntanzi and two co-accused, Mthobisi Mncube and Mthokoziseni Maphisa, allegedly planned their crimes within the walls of a Vosloorus hostel. Mncube is pointed out as Meyiwa's potential shooter in what investigators have deduced to be a "contractual hit."

Suspicion and Subterfuge

Despite the gravity of the situation, Ntanzi purportedly maintained a placid demeanor, as Ntuli and Maphisa, also implicated, appeared unaffected by the evidence being read, reportedly giggling amongst themselves. The narrative painted by Gininda depicted Ntanzi as an unsuspecting character, someone who could easily elude suspicion while dealing weaponry to criminals nationwide.

Buthelezi’s statements further implicated another co-accused, Muzi Sibiya, providing chilling insights into the extent of the accuseds' criminality, including allegations of corruption involving Sibiya's father and law enforcement.

The Aftermath and the Legal Wrangle

Ntanzi's defense remains dogged, asserting that his arrest was without proper grounds, despite the incriminating statements and a witness identikit pointing to his presence at the crime scene. The case continues to unfold, with Ntanzi’s potential role in Meyiwa's murder looming larger as new details come to light.

The nation, still reeling from the loss of a beloved sports figure, watches as the case against Ntanzi and his co-accused unravels, hoping that justice for Senzo Meyiwa is within reach.