Senzo Meyiwa murder trial won’t be affected, says police after investigator escapes armed robbery

A former investigator linked to the high-profile Senzo Meyiwa murder case was targeted in an armed robbery and attempted kidnapping incident.

Despite the attack, police maintain that no sensitive evidence related to the ongoing trial has been compromised.

Senzo Meyiwa case investigator escapes attackers

According to the South African Police Service (Saps), the incident occurred just after midnight on Thursday, when the former investigator was traveling in a state vehicle in Lombardy East, Johannesburg.

The official was allegedly followed by a group of suspects who forced him to stop his vehicle.

“The suspects overpowered the member and attempted to force him into the boot of their vehicle.

“The member fought back and escaped,” said national police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, in a statement.

The investigator did not sustain any injuries during the confrontation.

ALSO READ: Will Senzo Meyiwa murder trial finally end in 2025?

Items stolen during robbery

Mathe, however, revealed that several items were taken during the armed robbery.

Among the stolen items were a state-issued firearm with ammunition, a police reflector jacket, a laptop bag containing a laptop, USB drives, and photocopies of documentation related to the Senzo Meyiwa case.

Despite these losses, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has reassured the public that the incident will not impact the ongoing murder trial.

“I would like to assure the country and the Meyiwa family that this unfortunate incident will not in any way affect the ongoing murder trial, as only the copies of the occurrence book and cell registers were taken,” said Masemola.

READ MORE: Kelly Khumalo opens spiritual consultations amid ongoing Senzo Meyiwa trial

Senzo Meyiwa’s case sensitive evidence not compromised

The law enforcement authority emphasised that all crucial evidence in the Senzo Meyiwa case remains secure.

“The original docket and copies thereof as well as exhibits linked to this case are safe,” confirmed Masemola.

He further explained that the stolen documents had already been presented in court during the investigator’s testimony and cross-examination.

Additionally, copies of the case docket had been made available to the defense team as early as 2022, as required by law.

“The original registers and docket of this case are safeguarded accordingly,” Masemola stated.

ALSO READ: Calls between Kelly Khumalo and Senzo Meyiwa murder accused obtained unlawfully, says defence

High-level investigation launched

A high-level investigation team has been established to investigate the incident and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

The team is being led by the Gauteng police commissioner, Tommy Mthombeni.

Masemola said the team is probing whether the investigator’s attack is linked to the ongoing murder trial that is in court.

“A multidisciplinary team led by crime intelligence officers is on the ground, searching for these suspects.”

The motive for the attack is currently under investigation, and authorities are encouraging anyone with information about the suspects to come forward and assist with police investigations.

The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial has drawn significant public attention since the former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper was killed in 2014.

This latest incident adds another layer of complexity to a case that has already faced numerous twists and turns over the years.

NOW READ: Senzo Meyiwa trial delayed again as defence lawyer ‘underestimated’ volume of documentation