The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial resumed at the Pretoria North High Court this morning where a statement from a witness, who has since passed away, claimed that accused number Bongani Ntanzi was a known hitman and a firearm supplier to izinkabi around the country. The statement from the late Simphiwe Buthelezi was read by lead investigator in the Senzo's murder case, Brigadier Bongani Gininda.

Muzikawulahlelwa Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Ziphozonke Maphisa and Sifisokuhle Ntuli are currently standing trial for the Bafana Bafana goalkeeper's murder. They were arrested in 2020, six years after the incident

IN THE BUSINESS OF KILLING

Gininda was on the witness stand again and the focus was on Ntanzi, from KwaNongoma, who was convicted on a murder charge. "He was arrested in 2020 and charged with six counts of murder. He got life imprisonment for the first count, seven years for attempted murder, unlicensed firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of firearm with erased serial number. He was convicted on 25 March 2022," said Gininda, who was then asked to read the statement from the late Buthelezi, a close associate of the accused. "Buthelezi said he was from KwaNongoma and that Bongani Ntanzi is a quiet gentleman and a firearm supplier.  They supplied hitmen around country. An AK 47 was used to rob Shoprite in Vosloorus with Ntuli,another accused in the murder case. Ntanzi also brought a 9mm pistol when it was asked for. Ntanzi used two firearms. Ntanzi used to visit me and bring firearms to show to people. We continued selling firearms in KZN because there is high demand."

HE SUPPLIED FIREARMS IN MARIKANA

The statement continued, "Ntanzi also supplied a lot of firearms in Marikana. He invited me to visit him where I overheard him taking to Maphisa (another accused) that they did a good job by killing a union member in Marikana. I heard the person who was killed is very powerful. I asked him has he started killing people. He said it's a man's job to make a better life. I warned him about it. He used to keep small quantity of firearms in his room and the roof of his room." Buthelezi was approached by the police in 2020. The trial continues tomorrow.