Group of men taken in for questioning after plot to kill key players in Meyiwa trial

A group of men have been taken in for questioning after police learned that there was an alleged plot to assassinate key role players in the Senzo Meyiwa trial.

National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said a case of conspiracy to commit murder has been registered and under investigation in relation to the trial.

According to Mathe, the South African Police Service (SAPS) received concrete intelligence indicating that these individuals were allegedly scouting for opportunities to eliminate key figures in the trial.

"The SAPS has taken a group of individuals who attended proceedings this morning for further questioning and profiling," said Mathe.

Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng, who is pivotal to the ongoing trial concerning the tragic murder of the former Orlando Pirates soccer player, appears to be the primary target of this alarming plot.

it's still unclear who else might have been the target.

Mathe emphasised that the investigation is still in its early stages, and although no arrests have been made, authorities are working diligently to identify any other potential targets involved in this conspiratorial scheme.

She confirmed that security has been heightened and intelligence is on high alert.

"All steps taken are to ensure we eliminate the threat as well as to protect and save lives," added Mathe.

Meyiwa was killed while visiting his singer girlfriend, Kelly Khumalo at her home in Vosloorus on October 26, 2014.

The five accused in the Meyiwa murder trial are Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Mthobisi Mncube, Mthokoziseni Ziphozonke Maphisa, and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli.

They face charges ranging from murder to robbery, attempted murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms.

Their guilt has been fiercely disputed, with defence teams claiming the actual perpetrators remain unpunished while their clients are being used scape goats.

Some of the accused, including Ntuli, Mncube and Sibiya has already been convicted of other crimes including murder and attempted murder.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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