'We did not kill Senzo Meyiwa', suspects claim in dramatic first court appearance
The five men charged with the murder of former Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa have denied the allegations made against them.
Muzikawukhelewa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Sifokuhle Ntuli appeared in the Boksburg Magistrate's Court for the first time on Tuesday.
READ: AfriForum: Mastermind behind Senzo Meyiwa's murder still on the run
They are facing charges of murder, attempted murder, robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Meyiwa was gunned down in an alleged robbery at the home of then-girlfriend Kelly Khumalo in Vosloorus in October 2014.
The accused were in support of the media recording proceedings, with one of them stating that he wants the nation to hear the truth.
They all abandoned their bail application.
READ: Senzo Meyiwa's family hope justice will be served
Accused number three Mthobisi Mncube refused to get into the dock, stating that he has been in prison for many years and could not have been involved.
This was echoed by accused number 4 Mthokoziseni Maphisa, who added that the people responsible for the murder are wealthy; hence they have not been arrested.
The National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) Sipho Ngwenya described the claims of the accused in court as "tactics".
"We are fairly pleased with what has happened today and with the work, the police have done. But of course, more work still needs to be done and we are not ruling out more arrests.
"You must get used to the tricks of prisoners. They will decide if the posture they have taken will work in their favour. What matters is that they are all in custody."
The matter has been postponed to November 27.
