Senzo Trial: ‘No one read it to me’ — Key witness says police made him sign under pressure

During cross-examination at the ongoing proceedings, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya recounted how he was allegedly coerced into signing documents while in police custody.

State attorney Mnisi put it to Sibiya that after his statement was read to him, he was asked to sign it. However, Sibiya disputed this version, saying no statement was read to him beforehand. “There is nothing he read out to me,” Sibiya testified. “He asked me questions and I replied, and then he asked me to sign.”

Sibiya explained that he initially refused because he was restrained at the time. “I told him I can’t because I am handcuffed from the back,” he said. According to his account, one of the officers later noticed he had visible injuries and eventually gave him papers to sign. “After he observed I was injured, he gave me papers to sign — and I signed,” he said.

His testimony adds to mounting allegations of coercion, assault, and procedural irregularities in the investigation tied to the murder of soccer star Senzo Meyiwa. Sibiya has consistently maintained that his earlier confessions and statements were made under duress, claiming he was physically assaulted and threatened while in police custody.

The court has heard varying accounts from different witnesses, raising questions about the integrity of police conduct during the early stages of the investigation.

Legal experts say the credibility of these confessions could play a critical role in determining the outcome of the case. “If it’s proven that the statements were obtained under coercion, they could be rendered inadmissible, fundamentally altering the state’s case,” said legal analyst Tembeka Zulu.

As the proceedings continue, the tension between the prosecution and defence remains high, with more witnesses expected to testify on alleged police misconduct.

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