KELLY Khumalo’s mother has been accused of tampering with evidence.
This comes after a state witness testified in the North Gauteng High Court in Tshwane that Kelly Khumalo’s mother Ntombi “Makhumalo” had her hand on the hat that was reportedly worn by one of the invaders on the night that the custodian for Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates was murdered in October 2014.
State witness Sergeant Timothy Mathebula, who was one of the first police officers to attend to a gunshot in Vosloorus, testified in court about what they discovered at the Khumalo household following the incident.
Mathebula stated that they went to the house twice, and the first time, there was no one in the house other than Kelly’s uncle Themba Khumalo, who opened the door for them. Mathebula added that the second time, there was no one in the house other than Kelly.
He stated that whenever they entered, they found dishes together with cans of alcoholic beverages.
He said before the court that it appeared as though there was a party rather than a crime scene, and that they did not believe it was necessary to cordon off the property.
He stated that however when they came back for the second time with Makhumalo, whom they had brought from the Botshelong Hospital, she began to relay to them what had occurred. According to him, it wasn’t until that point that they secured the location.
He said she led them inside the house, where she allegedly picked up a hat and then told them that it belonged to the burglars.
“I then told her to put it down quickly because it was evidence,” said Mathebula.
He was questioned about whether or not he had written about it or alerted any other cops that Makhumalo had touched the evidence. He responded negatively to the court.
Advocate Zandile Mshololo, who represents the five people who are charged, questioned Mathebula about whether or not he would argue that MaKhumalo tampered with or tainted the evidence when she touched the hat. When the judge asked Mathebula why he didn’t report this or write it down on his statement, he replied that he didn’t think it was necessary, and Mathebula confirmed that he had responded yes.
In addition, Mathebula stated that MaKhumalo informed him that Kelly’s mobile was stolen on that night; however, he did not disclose this information in his statement to the court.
When you arrived at the scene of the crime, were you in good health and in full possession of your faculties? Enquired Mshololo.
The official state witness confirmed that he was. In addition to this, he stated before the judge that when they initially entered the residence, they could not see any bullet projectiles as well as blood.
He stated that they began to conduct a comprehensive search of the house after they were informed that the shooting incident took place inside the house. It was during this phase of the investigation that they discovered a bullet projectile as well as a hole in the door.
Mathebula brought his evidence to a close by rebutting the statements made by one of the earlier witnesses, who stated that she was the one who showed the bullet projectile to the police. Mathebula’s testimony was the final one.
Attorney Sipho Ramosepele, who represents accused number one and two, stated that the neighbor of the Khumalos, Nthabiseng Mokete, stated that she was present while the police were searching the area. She reported that she had seen the missile and questioned, “Is this not what you were looking for?”
The reply from Mathebula was, “I don’t remember that.
https://www.snl24.com/dailysun/news/senzo-meyiwa-murder-trial-cop-to-take-the-stand-20230814
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