Justice for Meyiwa | Maphisa Seeks Discharge, Claims No Evidence Links Him to Murder
Viable News Team 
Pretoria, South Africa – August 26, 2025
The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial took another dramatic turn this week as one of the accused, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, formally applied for charges against him to be dropped. Through his legal team, Maphisa filed for a discharge under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act arguing that the State has failed to present any concrete evidence linking him to the 2014 murder of the beloved Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper.
The trial, which has captivated the nation for years, continues to unravel in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, as questions persist about who was truly responsible for Meyiwa’s death and whether justice will ever be served.
Maphisa’s Argument: “No Evidence, No Case”
Maphisa’s legal representative argued before the court that the prosecution’s case has not only failed to directly implicate his client, but has also relied heavily on the testimony of a key witness who, they allege, is biased and unreliable.
“There is no direct evidence that links Mr. Maphisa to any planning or execution of the alleged murder plot,” said his attorney. “The witness statements presented are inconsistent and do not place my client at the scene, nor do they establish motive, intent, or participation.”
Under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act, an accused person may apply for discharge at the close of the State’s case if the evidence presented is insufficient to support a conviction. The court is now expected to weigh whether the case against Maphisa should proceed or if his name should be cleared at this stage of the trial.
The State is expected to respond to the application in the coming days.
A Divided Defense: Four Co-Accused Withdraw Discharge Bids
While Maphisa is pressing forward with his application, the four other men standing trial alongside him have withdrawn their own bids for discharge. Legal experts suggest this may be a strategic decision, signaling that their defense teams believe they still have opportunities to challenge the State’s case during the defense phase of the trial.
The group of five men have all pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, and illegal possession of a firearm related to Meyiwa’s death.
Maphisa, it’s worth noting, is currently serving a sentence for an unrelated crime, but maintains his innocence in the Meyiwa case and insists he has been wrongly accused.
The Murder That Shook South Africa
Senzo Meyiwa’s murder remains one of the most high-profile unsolved crimes in South Africa’s recent history.
The soccer star was gunned down on October 26, 2014, inside the Vosloorus home of his then-girlfriend, singer and actress Kelly Khumalo. What was initially reported as a botched robbery has since evolved into a complex murder investigation involving allegations of a premeditated hit, witness intimidation, and cover-ups.
Over the years, multiple suspects were arrested, and the investigation has been plagued by delays, accusations of police mishandling, and shifting narratives. It wasn’t until 2020 six years after the murder that five suspects were officially charged, including Maphisa.
The State contends that the killing was a contract murder, allegedly ordered by someone close to Meyiwa. Prosecutors have repeatedly pointed fingers at Khumalo, suggesting she orchestrated the hit. Khumalo has denied any involvement and has not been formally charged.
A Trial Under Public Scrutiny
The trial has gripped the public’s attention, with each new courtroom revelation fuelling debates and speculation. Calls for justice for Meyiwa have echoed across the country, with fans, family members, and civil society demanding accountability.
However, the proceedings have been marred by controversy, including allegations of coerced confessions, recanted witness testimonies, and claims that the wrong men were arrested.
The defense has argued from the outset that their clients were used as scapegoats, with Maphisa’s lawyer going so far as to call the case against his client “fundamentally flawed.”
What Happens Next?
The presiding judge will now consider the merits of Maphisa’s application and assess whether the evidence presented by the State is sufficient to continue prosecuting him.
If the discharge is granted, Maphisa would be released from this case though he would remain incarcerated due to his existing conviction. For the remaining four accused, the trial is expected to proceed, with the defense phase on the horizon.
As for the broader search for justice in the Meyiwa case, South Africans continue to wait, hope, and demand answers.
Background
- Victim: Senzo Meyiwa (1987–2014), South African national team captain and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper.
- Date of Death: October 26, 2014
- Location: Vosloorus, Gauteng
- Circumstances: Shot during what was initially reported as a robbery; later alleged to be a planned hit.
- Current Accused: Five men, including Mthokoziseni Maphisa
- Status: Trial ongoing, Maphisa seeking discharge
About the Author
