We're Not Coping

Senzo Meyiwa’s dad, Sam, says the family is still struggling almost three years since Senzo’s murder.

- Khosi Biyela

IT TOOK just one day for Generations star Mandla Hlatshwayo’s alleged killers to be arrested and two weeks for Rhythm City actor Dumi Masilela’s hijackers to be tracked down.

Yet three years after Senzo Meyiwa was gunned down in cold blood, police don’t seem to be any closer to making arrests than they were in the first few days after his death.

The thought of these crimes being solved so quickly runs through Sam Meyiwa’s mind daily. This week marks three years since his son was killed and the unsolved murder still gives Sam and his wife, Ntombifuthi, sleepless nights. The Bafana Bafana and Orlando

Pirates goalkeeper – the Meyiwa family’s sole breadwinner – was gunned down by armed robbers at the Vosloorus home of his girlfriend, singer Kelly Khumalo.

All they want is closure, a devastated Sam tells DRUM. The thought of his son’s killers still roaming the streets, free to spend time with the people they love, breaks his heart.

“It’s really frustrating for us that after so many years we still don’t know who killed him and why,” he says.

“This makes me wonder about my son’s killers . . . they must be wealthy and well-connected to be able to hide the truth so well and for so long.”

The years since Senzo’s death have taken their toll. Ntombifuthi has suffered from recurring health issues related to high blood pressure since her goalkeeper son was killed.

“It has been hard for us,” Sam says. “The only time I don’t think of Senzo is when I am asleep. But I also struggle to fall asleep. Our lives are full of pain and sorrow, but we soldier on. I cry every time I think of him. I cannot rest until his killers are found.”

THE family isn’t only experiencing emotional and physical difficulties. They’re financially strapped since Senzo’s death.