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EXPLAINER | Unpacking the Senzo Meyiwa trial

After two years of evidence, the State has finally closed its case in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial. That means the ball is now in the defence’s court to respond to the allegations and testimony that have unfolded in the Pretoria High Court.

To make sense of where things stand, here are 10 big takeaways from the State’s case so far:

1. Witnesses inside the house

Three key witnesses - Zandi Khumalo, Mthokozisi Thwala and Tumelo Madlala - all testified about what they saw the night Senzo Meyiwa was killed at Kelly Khumalo’s home.

Each confirmed there were intruders.

They also confirmed they heard gunshots, though their versions differed: some say one shot, others recall three.

2. The Gun

The alleged murder weapon sits at the centre of the case. Police say they recovered it from accused Mthobisi Mncube while investigating him for another crime.

Forensic experts linked that gun to the bullet found at the murder scene.

3. Cellphone Data

The State led cellphone records placing Mncube in Vosloorus on the day Meyiwa was killed.

The catch? The data suggests he may have been there earlier in the day, not that evening.

The defence insists he was actually in George Koch near Johannesburg CBD at the time of the shooting.

4. The Confessions

Two confession statements are before the court - from Muzi Sibiya and Bongani Ntanzi. They’ve been admitted provisionally, meaning they form part of the record for now.

In Ntanzi’s statement, he puts himself at the crime scene, saying he was one of the intruders.

5. The Star Witness

State witness Constable Sizwe Zungu gave lengthy testimony, telling the court he saw all five accused at the Basotho hostel in Vosloorus the day Meyiwa was killed.

He says he watched them leave, then rush back later - and he believes that was after the murder.