Meyiwa trial: Cop disputes Ntanzi assault claim, says he was ‘free and happy’
A witness in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial has disputed claims that accused Bongani Ntanzi was assaulted into confessing the details of the late soccer star's death.
Lieutenant Colonel Mohale Raphadu, who wrote down Ntanzi's alleged confession, told the Pretoria High Court on Thursday that the accused looked "free and happy" when handed over to him in June 2020.
"What I can say is that when he was brought to me, and I asked him about being assaulted, he never mentioned anything to me about being assaulted. He was just free and a happy person."
Ntanzi was first arrested on 16 June 2020 but was only formally charged with Meyiwa's murder in October 2024 alongside four other accused.
Ntanzi's legal counsel, who also represents accused number one Muzi Sibiya, told the court that his client was coerced into making a confession.
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Advocate Thulani Mngomezulu claimed Ntanzi was "tubed" with a silver plastic bag into admitting details of the night Meyiwa was shot and killed in 2014.
Mngomezulu said the alleged torture happened in Alberton.
"He was tubed, tortured and assaulted by Mabena, Buthelezi and Jonathan."
The trial will continue on Friday when Raphadu is expected to conclude his testimony.
