One of the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial defence lawyers, Advocate Thulani Mngomezulu, has passed away at a hospital in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni, today. His family confirmed this in a statement and asked to be given space as they mourn their loss.

HE ONCE SAID HIS LIFE WAS IN DANGER

In a statement, Mgomezulu's wife, Dumisile Mngomezulu, said, "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and son. We confirm his untimely passing in the early hours of the 10th of December 2024 at Vosloorus, Thelle Mogoerane Hospital. In this time of grief, we ask for your compassion, space and time to congregate as a family to decide on the upcoming days." Mngomezulu, who has been on sick leave and watching the proceedings at home as per the judge's instructions, was representing accused numbers one and two, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya and Bongani Ntanzi, respectively. In April, he told Judge Ratha Mokgoathleng that he believed that his life was in danger. He said two people wanted to enter his premises and fortunately the dog barked, scaring them away. Mngomezulu said at the time that he suspected the people were out to harm him or kill him because this is what happens in South Africa." 

ACCUSED OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Meanwhile, it also came to light while he was representing Sibiya and Ntanzi that Mngomezulu faced charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, contravention of a protection order, and resisting arrest. These charges, brought by his wife, Dumisile Sebentile Mngomezulu, date back to November 2022. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said Mngomezulu's wife opened a case against him after he allegedly bought petrol in an attempt to burn his house with her and the children inside in November 2022. The NPA's Phindi Mjonondwana then confirmed that Dumisile tried to withdraw the case, but the NPA refused to withdraw the charges. Mjonondwana said at the time, "He was charged with several counts, including contravention of the court order, assault by way of threats, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, as well as resisting an arrest."