A state witness in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial Tumela Madlala has revealed that music producer Sela ‘Chika’ Twala offered late goalkeeper Kelly Khumalo’s then girlfriend and singer an overseas holiday days after his death.
Madlala made the revelation in the North Gauteng High Court as he continued to testify on Wednesday, September 14.
TUMELA MADLALA: CHICCO TWALA OFFERED KELLY A VACATION
The trial was adjourned on Tuesday, September 13, after Thumela Madlala became overcome with emotion during his witness stand, but he appeared calm as he continued to testify on Wednesday.
Madlala said the house was filled with neighbors after the shooting. He added that they (along with neighbors) tried to lift Meyiwa but his body was heavy, however they managed to get him to their own vehicle (BMW) which was parked in the yard.
Kelly was reportedly driving while her sister Zandi, brother-in-law Senzo Mtakazisi Twala and Thumela accompanied her as she rushed to Botshelong Hospital.
“After our arrival, Senzo was taken away by the nurses and waited on the benches. After a while, a nurse appeared with an x-ray and asked for the elder. Kelly’s mother (MaKhumalo) then left. She came back crying and told us Senzo was gone,” he explained.
He added that he did not know how Mahumala got to Botshelong Hospital.
ALSO READ: ‘My son and Kelly Khumalo know the truth’: Chika Twala on Senzo’s murder
According to the witness, Mtakazisi Twala stayed at Botshelong Hospital with other people he knew as Senzo Mandisa’s wife also arrived. He returned to Kelly’s house with another neighbor. Zendy, Kelly and Gladness also returned and had all their phones confiscated and statements taken. After a long time they were taken to Malberton, where they spent a night and a couple of days.
Madlala told the court he did not remember the exact day, but while they were there Chika Twala visited them and spoke to Kelly.
“I heard him asking Kelly if she wanted to go on holiday abroad,” he told the court.
In an interview with Newzroom Afrika in May this year, Chika Twala said he was hurt that people were defaming his name when he was not even there when Senzo Meyiwa was killed.
The producer said he was not present like the other eight people, including his son. He got a call from Kelly Khumalo after the murder, and then only went to help.
“My son Kelly Khumalo and others present know the truth. You can’t shoot in their presence and keep quiet about it. They know who killed Senzo; my son knows, Kelly knows, and everyone else who was there knows.
“I should be expelled, I was not there and I am not involved in this. I have already said that I am not going to defend my son; if he is a murderer trust me i will support all the people who want criminals in jail. I will never defend him.’
Chika Twala
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