Daily news update: Senzo Meyiwa trial, Thabo Bester case and Phoenix unrest murder

Here’s your morning news update: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way.

Daily news update: 20 May 2023

Zandi Khumalo says she could not remember police number when Senzo Meyiwa was shot

The murder trial of Senzo Meyiwa resumed on Friday at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, with the testimony of Zandile Lorraine Khumalo (Zandi).

Meyiwa was murdered at the family home of his former lover and musician, Kelly Khumalo (Zandi’s sister), in Vosloorus, east of Johannesburg, in October 2014.

READ MORE: Zandi Khumalo says she could not remember police number when Senzo Meyiwa was shot

Thabo Bester: Bail hearing of five accused postponed for closing arguments

The bail hearing of the five suspects accused of helping convicted rapist and murderer, Thabo Bester, escape from prison has been postponed to next week for closing arguments.

The bail hearing of former G4S employees Senohe Matsoara, Buti (Motenyane John) Masukela, Tieho Frans Makhotsa and Nastassja Jansen, as well as Integriton CCTV technician, Teboho James Lipholo, resumed on Friday in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court.

READ MORE: Thabo Bester: Bail hearing of five accused postponed for closing arguments

State witness: No evidence of payment to accused in Thabo Bester’s prison escape

An investigating officer, who is part of the team handling the case of Thabo Bester‘s audacious prison escape, has acknowledged that one of the former G4S employees accused of assisting in the escape was not paid a cent for her alleged involvement.

The bail hearing of former G4S employees Senohe Matsoara, Motenyane Buti Masukela, Tieho Frans Makhotsa and Nastassja Jansen, as well as Integritron CCTV technician, Teboho James Lipholo, resumed on Friday in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court.

READ MORE: State witness: No evidence of payment to accused in Thabo Bester’s prison escape

Brothers not guilty of Phoenix unrest murder

Brothers, Dylan and Ned Govender, have been found not guilty of the murder of 19-year-old Mondli Majola who died during the July 2021 unrest in Phoenix, Durban.

However, the brothers were found guilty of assault with intent to cause Majola grievous bodily harm. The evidence showed that Dylan hit him with the butt of his knife and Ned hit him with a pick handle.

READ MORE: Brothers not guilty of Phoenix unrest murder

Nota Baloyi calls for Berita’s arrest, accuses her of theft

South African podcast host and pop culture commentator Nota Baloyi sparked mixed reactions on Twitter after he dragged his estranged wife, Berita, accusing her of theft.

Nota posted a screenshot of Berita wearing a pink gown. He claims that the gown belongs to him and was bought for him a few years ago when he first visited New York.

READ MORE: Nota Baloyi calls for Berita’s arrest, accuses her of theft