The ongoing murder trial of former South African soccer star Senzo Meyiwa has jolted once again — this time with shocking allegations that individuals attending the trial may have been planning to murder key figures involved in the case. The revelation has reopened wounds in a nation still seeking justice, and sparked fresh outrage from the public and media alike.
Courtroom Chaos: Arrests and Murder-Plot Allegations
On Tuesday, 2 December 2025, proceedings at the High Court in Pretoria drew to a halt amid serious security concerns. Three men, seated in the public gallery, were abruptly escorted out by police officers.
Eyewitness and court reports revealed that the removal came after police received intelligence suggesting these individuals were part of a group intending to “eliminate key players” in the trial.
Authorities confirmed that a formal case of conspiracy to commit murder has been registered. While the three men were taken for questioning and profiling, police said the investigation is ongoing, that no arrests have yet occured, but emphasised that “security has been heightened” and intelligence agencies remain on alert.
Court documents indicate that the men were reportedly accompanying a defence witness, Sifiso Gwabini Zungu. Their removal interrupted the testimony, and the judge promptly adjourned the session for the day.
High Stakes: Who Were the Targets?
According to police, the alleged assassination plot may have targeted not only defence witnesses but also judges and other officials central to the trial’s outcome. One of the persons potentially at risk was named as the presiding judge, Ratha Mokgoatlheng, underscoring the gravity of the threat.
The nature of the plan — attending court with the intention of violence — struck many as a dramatic escalation, suggesting the trial’s outcome may carry heavy and dangerous consequences for many beyond the courtroom. Some South Africans expressed deep concern that such a plot could endanger justice altogether.
Public Outrage and Sizwe Dhlomo’s Reaction
The revelations triggered a wave of shock and indignation, especially among those following the case closely. One loud voice of concern was radio presenter Sizwe Dhlomo, who reacted succinctly on social media: “SMH! This case! 👏🏽” His comment resonated across platforms, symbolising collective disbelief — and fear — that such serious threats would emerge exactly when the country hoped for closure.
Other social media users flooded comment threads, warning of intimidation, calling for stricter protection for witnesses, and lamenting that the trial — already long-delayed — could be derailed by fear and violence.
What This Means for Justice and the Meyiwa Family
The alleged plot — if proven — threatens to undermine public confidence in the trial, potentially discourage witness participation, and raise serious questions about security for participants. The backdrop is a trial that has already been fraught with controversy, multiple delays, and fierce debate over evidence and testimony.
For the family of Senzo Meyiwa and many supporters, the recent developments may feel like another blow rather than a step forward. Calls for heightened protection and transparent investigation into who may have orchestrated such a plot have become louder, reflecting widespread concern that justice might be sabotaged by fear.
What Happens Next — Security, Investigation, and Public Scrutiny
Police have assured the public that they are leaving no stone unturned. Officials say intelligence remains high, and investigations are underway to trace any accomplices. The court has reopened with increased security measures to ensure the safety of judges, witnesses, and all involved.
Observers will be watching closely as the trial resumes — not just for the outcome of the case, but for whether the justice system can withstand what appears to be a concerted, violent challenge.
Sizwe Dhlomo’s terse reaction—“SMH! This case!”—may well echo the sentiments of many ordinary South Africans: dismayed, disillusioned, and desperate for justice that cannot be silenced by fear.
