adminSOUTH Africa mourned the late Senzo Meyiwa in front of television screens yesterday. Thousands honoured the football player in a crowded stadium, but his girlfriend and mother of one, Kelly Khumalo wept alone at home.
On Friday, Khumalo opened up to Sunday Sun in a heart-to-heart interview for the first time since her lover was murdered last Sunday. Khumalo used a phone belonging to her record label boss, who was visiting her at the time. Hers has been confiscated by cops as part of their investigation.
The mother of Senzo Meyiwa’s child sobbed: “I want to die too. I am in pain and many people don’t understand that I was in love with that man.
“I have seen and read what people are saying about me. I am not the monster they make me out to be. But all of this shall pass, and God will protect me.
“Don’t judge me. Senzo and I had a solid relationship until his last hours. I wasn’t going to say anything, as I grieve for Senzo in my own way.
“But I wish some politicians would learn to respect others! They also sleep around with ‘bad friends’! South Africans must also be wary of politicians who are using Senzo’s death while their own dirty linen is known to the public.”
This remark might be seen as a veiled attack on Minister Fikile Mbalula. He had advised soccer players to be careful about who they go out with and said that fame attracts “unholy companions”.
He was addressing mourners at the joint memorial service for Meyiwa, Mbulaeni Mulaudzi and Phindile Mwelase at the Standard Bank Arena in Johannesburg on Thursday.
Asked about her relationship with the Meyiwa family, Kelly said: “I know Senzo’s father was opposed to our relationship. But ubaba uSam will always remain the grandfather of my daughter.
“Senzo once said to me that his father cannot choose for him. When his father chose his mother, no one interfered. He told me that his father chose his mum because he loved her.
“And he felt the same way about me. He assured me of his love for me,” said Khumalo.
She added: “I am mature about the whole thing and grown up. I am responsible for two kids now.
“And I will continue to reach out to the family for my daughter’s sake. After Senzo was shot and rushed to the hospital, I did not call his father.
“I asked my management to communicate with the family and Dr Irvin Khoza.”
Asked why she was driving Meyiwa’s car, she answered: “I was not driving it. The police insisted that it be taken to a place of safety and they took the keys.”
On Friday a 25-year-old Vosloorus resident, Zenokuhle Mbatha, was arrested and charged on the basis of a positive identification. Mbatha appeared in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday in connection with Meyiwa’s murder.
The National Prosecuting Authority said Mbatha would appear in court again on November 11 when he was expected to apply for legal aid.
The City Press reported that days before Meyiwa was killed his wife, Mandisa Mkhize, had accepted she had lost him forever.
“I respect Senzo’s decision to be with Kelly Khumalo,” Mkhize reportedly said in an sms when asked if she felt betrayed after Meyiwa told her he and Khumalo had broken up.
“We did not end things on a sour note. He is the father of my daughter and despite all he is not a bad person.
“I wish him well; I am at peace with everything,” she said.
When Mkhize discovered her husband was back with Khumalo she moved out of their apartment in Buccleuch, Johannesburg.
Meyiwa was shot dead last Sunday in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni, South Africa, while visiting Khumalo. Two men allegedly entered the house, demanded cellphones, and shot him before fleeing.
Khumalo told the Sunday Times Meyiwa planned to divorce his wife and marry her. – Daily Sun
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter