Twala Family Responds to Accusations in the Murder of Senzo Meyiwa

The murder of South African football star Senzo Meyiwa, which occurred in 2014, remains one of the most controversial and widely discussed criminal cases in the country. As the investigation continues to unfold, new allegations and accusations have emerged, particularly involving prominent figures close to the case.

On Tuesday, Siabonga Mia, the cousin of Senzo Meyiwa, made shocking claims that Longwe Twala, son of renowned music producer Chicco Twala, was responsible for Senzo’s death. These accusations have sparked public outrage and a heated debate about the role of social media, law enforcement, and the Twala family in the ongoing investigation.

Mia’s Accusations and the Family’s Response

In a candid interview with Newsroom Africa, Siabonga Mia expressed his firm belief that Longwe Twala shot and killed his cousin, Senzo Meyiwa. Mia suggested that the police know who was behind the murder but are refraining from making any arrests because of the involvement of law enforcement officers who may have been complicit in “defeating the ends of justice.”

He stated, “I don’t believe there was any intrusion into the house; the police were involved in covering up the truth.” Mia’s allegations point to a much larger conspiracy, with the suggestion that some police officers may be protecting those involved in Senzo’s death.

On the same day, the Twala family was given the opportunity to respond to these accusations. Chicco Twala, a well-known music producer, and father of Longwe Twala, vehemently denied the allegations.

In a telephone interview, Chicco Twala expressed his disappointment with Mia’s accusations, which he described as baseless and fueled by social media. He suggested that Mia’s claims were the result of “haters and evil people” spreading false information.

Twala pointed out that the law enforcement agencies should be the ones to investigate and make arrests, not rely on hearsay or social media rumors. He stated, “If my son is responsible for the death, let the police arrest him. But they must provide evidence.

If there’s no evidence, they should not make an arrest.” Chicco also took issue with the sensationalism surrounding the case, stressing that social media has been unfairly judging his son, Longwe, and others involved in the case, often without evidence.

Longwe Twala’s Personal Struggles

Chicco Twala also addressed his son’s personal issues, which may have contributed to the controversy surrounding him. Longwe Twala has been open about his struggles with addiction, and his father confirmed that his son has been in and out of rehab for some time. Chicco explained that Longwe had no access to firearms and denied that he was involved in any violent activities on the night of Senzo Meyiwa’s death.

In fact, Chicco claimed that Longwe Twala had been at a rehabilitation center during the time of the murder. “If my son was guilty, the police should arrest him,” Chicco added, noting that if any gun was involved in the shooting, it should be tested to determine its ownership. He expressed frustration at the way his son’s name was being dragged through the mud without concrete evidence linking him to the crime.

Chicco Twala also emphasized his willingness to cooperate with law enforcement, stating that he had handed over his own firearm when requested by the police. He recounted an incident when the police arrived at his home demanding his gun for investigation purposes, to which he complied without hesitation. “I have nothing to hide,” he insisted. “If the police want to investigate me, they can do so.”

The Gun Allegations and the Police’s Role

A critical element in Mia’s accusations was the suggestion that a gun was used to kill Senzo Meyiwa. The involvement of a gun has been a key part of the case, with some reports suggesting that Longwe Twala may have been carrying a weapon at the time of the shooting.

However, Chicco Twala refuted this claim, asserting that his son did not own a gun. He also stated that Longwe had not been seen with any firearm during the alleged incident. “If my son had a gun, why would he kill someone and then walk around casually without any attempt to hide the weapon?” Chicco asked.

Mia’s statement about the police protecting one of their own has added to the complexity of the case. While Mia alleged that law enforcement officers were involved in the cover-up, Chicco Twala dismissed this, questioning why the police would protect someone like his son if he was involved in the murder.

“Senzo Meyiwa was killed in front of his friends and the mother of his child,” Chicco reasoned. “Why would the police protect my son, and why would they protect anyone involved in such a crime?” He called for the truth to be revealed through proper legal processes and for the public to stop spreading rumors.

The Role of Zandi Khumalo

One of the most intriguing aspects of the case is the involvement of Zandi Khumalo, Longwe Twala’s ex-girlfriend. According to Siabonga Mia, Zandi’s relationship with Longwe was relatively new at the time of Senzo Meyiwa’s murder, and Mia suggested that this relationship might have played a role in the events surrounding the crime.

However, Chicco Twala disagreed with this theory, arguing that there was no evidence to suggest that Longwe and Zandi had any violent confrontations. He described their relationship as “new love” and dismissed any suggestion that it was the cause of the murder.

Chicco Twala further insisted that his son, Longwe, was not a violent person and would not have been capable of committing such an act. He reiterated that Longwe’s struggles with addiction were the real issue and not any potential involvement in Senzo Meyiwa’s death. “My son is a drug addict, not a murderer,” Chicco firmly stated.

The Impact of Social Media

Throughout the interview, Chicco Twala criticized the role that social media plays in shaping public opinion. He expressed frustration at the way the platform has been used to spread misinformation and vilify individuals without proper evidence.

He pointed to high-profile cases, like that of former President Jacob Zuma, where social media has been used to decide guilt before a fair trial. “Social media is a problem,” Chicco said, “It judges people before they even appear in court.”

He stressed that both his son and the other individuals involved in the case deserve a fair trial and should not be condemned based on social media rumors or unsubstantiated claims. “Innocent until proven guilty,” Chicco concluded, calling for the public to refrain from passing judgment until all the facts are in.

Conclusion

The murder of Senzo Meyiwa remains a deeply tragic and complex case. With new allegations and theories emerging, the pressure is mounting on law enforcement to resolve the case and bring those responsible to justice.

While Siabonga Mia’s accusations against Longwe Twala have sparked public debate, the Twala family has firmly denied the involvement of their son in the crime. They have called for a fair investigation and emphasized the need for evidence before making any arrests. As the case continues to develop, the Meyiwa family, the public, and law enforcement alike are anxiously awaiting the truth.