Meyiwa Murder Trial: Accused 1 Challenges Police Account of Phone, Denies Sangoma Link

Overview

• Under cross-examination, Muzi Sibiya alleged Sergeant Batho Mogola took his phone, forced him to unlock it and used it to call a contact named Magwaza, contradicting her testimony that the device was secured in a safe.
• Sibiya denied ever consulting traditional healer Lionel Zwane or receiving cleansing muthi, as the state cited Zwane’s 2023 testimony about a consultation, payment and a follow-up visit after the ‘job’ was done, which defence lawyers challenged as misrepresented.
• He rejected claims he was paid R30,000 for the killing and said police later assaulted Magwaza during a visit to his home, a description the prosecution framed as part of investigative steps based on prior testimony.
• Sibiya walked back earlier confirmation that he signed and thumbprinted an alleged confession, saying the marks on the document are too faint to identify as his and asserting he was only told to sign papers prepared by senior officers.
• He accused police of a cover-up, saying officers failed to disclose Deputy Commissioner General Shadrack Sibiya’s presence at the scene and hospital, as the prosecutor noted prior judicial cautions about unsubstantiated allegations, and Contralesa urged the court to expedite the long-running trial.